Addis Ababa, October 6, 2023 (FBC) – Minister of Planning and Development Ms. Fitsum Asefa held a discussion with Development Director at the British Embassy in Ethiopia Mr. Paul Walter, on climate change cooperation.
The two sides discussed a range of issues, including the importance of aligning UK support with Ethiopia’s priorities in climate change, as outlined in its policies, strategies, and plans such as the 10-Year Development Plan, the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
They also discussed the need to re-establish an open and constructive dialogue between the UK and Ethiopia on climate change, as well as possible collaboration ahead of COP28. Both parties expressed interest in continuing their partnership, while looking forward to discussing the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The UK team explained the pledges their government have committed for Ethiopia, including £90 million to enhance the capacity of Ethiopia to access climate finance.
MoPD Minister Fitsum underscored the need for capacity building for accessing multilateral financial mechanisms.
She emphasized that capacity building is very important to create an enabling environment and to enhance negotiation and lobbying capacity at the national level.
The Minister also called for the need to arrange a high-level event on climate change and development.
Ms. Fitsum further promised to share the 3-year investment plan with all development partners when it becomes ready.
The two sides also discussed the Climate and Development event tobe held in Abu Dhabi on October 29, which will focus on climate finance for adaptation where the UK delegates invited Ethiopia to participate in this event.
Furthermore, Minister Fitsum also expressed Ethiopia’s desire to strengthen the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) forum for better and advanced contributions in addressing the challenges of climate change.
She noted that Ethiopia has launched the revitalized CRGE forum as part of the bigger CRGE Governance.
Fitsum also informed Mr. Walter that the secretariat of the CRGE forum has drafted an annual plan based on the way forward agreed during the IPG meeting held earlier this year.
She emphasized Ethiopia’s interest in resuming the regular functioning and regular meetings of the forum, which will assist the government in translating its 10YDP, updated NDC, LT-LEDS, NAP, and other sectorial plans and strategies related to climate change into action.
In a nutshell, the discussion between Ms. Fitsum and Mr. Walter reflected the strong commitment of both Ethiopia and the UK to working together in addressing the challenges of climate change, per the Ministry.