Minister of State for Planning confers with GEF, GCF, AGN officials

Addis Ababa, June 9, 2023 (FBC) – Minister of State for Planning and Development Sandokan Debebe discussed with the officials of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) on the margins of the ongoing Climate Change Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn, Germany.

In the discussion, Sandokan stated that Ethiopia is working with due emphasis by integrating climate change and environmental issues in its long-term plan to ensure that its prosperity will not be hindered by the impact of climate change.

For their part, Ms. Chizuru Oki, Lead of Environmental Conventions & Manager of Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) and Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) and Mr. Eduardo Freitas, Manager of the African Regional Program of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), stated that Ethiopia, through their institutions, has been receiving support, pledging to scale up their cooperation and comprehensive support.

They hinted that they have a plan to come to Ethiopia to explore various initiatives that can make proper use of the opportunities available in their respective institutions and provide technical to support to the country.

In addition, Sandokan discussed with the current head of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), Mr. Ephraim Mwepya Shitima, on strategic issues that can strengthen the Group’s institutional capacity and protect the interests of the continent.

Ephraim stated that Ethiopia’s support was important during his leadership, calling for continued cooperation in the future.