MoPD, UNEP discuss cooperation in environmental protection

Addis Ababa, December 7, 2023 (FBC) – Fitsum Asefa, Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Development of Ethiopia, and Ms. Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNEP, discussed various environmental issues and areas of collaboration on the sidelines of the COP28 in Dubai, UAE.

During the meeting, both parties emphasized the importance of focusing on environmental issues and agreed to move forward with implementing the decisions of the 19th Ordinary Session of AMCEN. They expressed their desire to avoid reopening any outstanding issues that may have been suspended previously.

The MoPD Minister Fitsum Aseffa emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to ensuring a unified voice for Africa during its AMCEN presidency. She confirmed that all efforts would be made to ensure fair representation of all sub-regions within the AMCEN bureau, respecting the decision of the 19th Ordinary Session.

The Minister highlighted the importance of the GLI for Ethiopia, one of the countries most affected by the impacts of climate change.

For her part, the UNEP Under-Secretary-General congratulated the Minister for assuming the presidency of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) recently. Ms. Andersen expressed UNEP’s commitment to coordinating efforts for an ambitious outcome under Ethiopia’s leadership.

She commended the achievements of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) and expressed the UN agency’s support for the initiative.

The two parties agreed to work together to mobilize resources for the enhanced implementation of the Green Legacy Initiative, according to the Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD). Both parties expressed their optimism for continued collaboration in advancing environmental protection and sustainability in Africa.