FM Gedion Stresses Need for Action-Oriented COP32, Urges Global Investment in Africa’s Green Future

Addis Ababa, November 13, 2026 (ENA)—  Ethiopia is calling for concrete global action and increased investment in Africa’s green future.

Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos made the call in an interview with Türkiye’s TRT World One on One program on the sidelines of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, urged developed countries to translate climate commitments into tangible support for green infrastructure, industrialization and sustainable development across the continent.

He further emphasized the need for meaningful outcomes at the current summit ahead of Ethiopia’s hosting of COP32 in 2027.

The minister said Ethiopia’s immediate priority is to support the COP31 presidency and ensure successful negotiations that generate positive momentum for the next climate conference in Addis Ababa.

Gedion said Ethiopia expects COP31 to deliver consensus and meaningful decisions across key negotiation tracks, particularly on climate adaptation, mitigation, implementation plans and other measures requiring operationalization.

Addressing Africa’s climate priorities, he stressed that developed countries must demonstrate their commitment through concrete investments in green infrastructure, industrialization and a sustainable economic future for the continent.

 

Gedion noted that Ethiopia’s experience demonstrates that climate action can go hand in hand with economic growth, creating jobs, improving livelihoods and expanding development opportunities.

Through its nationwide tree-planting campaign, green mobility and sustainable urbanization initiatives, Ethiopia is demonstrating how environmental protection can also serve as a driver of economic transformation, he added.

The Foreign Minister said Ethiopia intends to translate this commitment into concrete outcomes through climate negotiations, its action agenda and initiatives under its COP32 presidency.

He emphasized that the upcoming summit should go beyond declarations and pledges to advance the implementation of existing climate agreements and deliver the financing needed by developing countries.

Gedion called for stronger political will and international cooperation, stressing the need to strengthen existing mechanisms, improve access to affordable capital, address credit-rating challenges and expand direct budgetary support and official development assistance.

He also underscored the importance of advancing international cooperation under the Paris Agreement and other relevant legal instruments to ensure that climate commitments translate into meaningful action.

Speaking on Ethiopia-Türkiye relations, Gedion described the partnership as strong and historic, founded on longstanding ties, mutual understanding and growing cooperation between the two countries and their peoples.

He further encouraged Turkish businesses to expand their investments in Ethiopia, particularly in hospitality, manufacturing and construction, noting that Turkish companies could make significant contributions to Ethiopia’s growing economy.

He said greater private-sector engagement would create mutually beneficial opportunities and further strengthen the economic partnership between the two countries.