Ethiopia reiterates commitment to leading Africa’s climate action at COP28

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa, met with the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Simon Stiell to discuss Ethiopia’s role and leadership in the upcoming COP28 climate change conference.

On the occasion, the Planning and Development Minister reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to leading Africa’s climate action at COP28. COP28 will be held, in the Dubai United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12, 2023.

She said that Ethiopia is committed to working with other African countries to ensure that the voices of the continent are heard at COP28. Fitsum also stressed the need for developed countries to fulfill their commitments to climate finance and mitigation action.

Stiell welcomed Ethiopia’s leadership on climate change and expressed his support for the country’s efforts to engage with other African countries in the lead-up to COP28. He also stressed the need for Ethiopia to participate in the upcoming Africa Climate Summit in Kenya in September 2023 and the Secretary-General’s Climate Summit in September 2023.

The two officials also discussed the need for Ethiopia to focus on adaptation, including transformation of the food system, loss and damage, and ambitious mitigation action. They agreed that delivering on commitments is essential to the success of COP28.

Fitsum said that Ethiopia is committed to ensuring that the commitments made at COP28 are translated into concrete action. She called for a shift from voluntary pledges to quantified commitments that are supported by accountability mechanisms.

Stiell on his part said that he is confident that Ethiopia will play a leading role in ensuring the success of COP28.

He praised the country’s commitment to climate action and its willingness to work with other countries to address the climate crisis.

The two officials further agreed on the need for Ethiopia to focus on adaptation, mitigation, and finance, and they committed to working together to ensure that the commitments made at COP28 are translated into concrete action.

Ethiopia is the current president of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN).