International Consultation Forum on Climate Change Held in Addis Ababa

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International Consultation Forum on Climate Change Held in Addis Ababa

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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - October 2, 2023(MoPD)

An international consultation forum aimed at dealing with the effects of climate change was held in Addis Ababa. The forum was organized by the Ministry of Planning and Development, in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The forum focused on the Least Developed Countries' Regional Program and Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation. In his opening speech, State Minister of Planning and Development, H.E. Mr. Sandokan Debebe, highlighted the challenges that Africa is facing due to climate change, such as floods, droughts, and famine. He stressed the importance of collaboration with organizations like the GEF and UNFCCC to address these challenges, especially in light of the limited resources available to least developed countries.

Mr. Sandokan also noted that Africa does not have the capacity to reverse the problem of climate change on its own. He said that while developing countries have formulated policies and strategies to overcome the problem, the financial support provided by developed countries is not enough. However, he expressed appreciation for the support provided by institutions like the GEF.

According to Mr. Sandokan, Ethiopia is actively addressing environmental protection and climate change issues. He said that as part of the country's 10-year development plan, 25 billion more seeds have been planted in just four years through the Green Legacy Initiative, creating 700,000 green jobs and significantly reducing carbon emissions. The state minister said that Ethiopia's experience in this area can be valuable to other nations.

Mr. Mansur Dese, the representative of the GEF at the Ministry of Planning and Development, said that many countries, including Ethiopia, have signed the international agreement on climate change, biodiversity, and environmental pollution. He said that under the agreement, developed countries have agreed to support developing countries with money, technology, and capacity building. Mr. Dese said that the current aid provided to Ethiopia is through the GEF, which is the global fund for the environment. He said that GEF funds are distributed from wealthy countries to underdeveloped countries in various ways.

Global Environment Facility CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, in his virtual Key Note address to participants in Addis also pointed out that the regional workshop is part of a new corporate dedicated program under the GEF Programming Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change.

He indicated that the meeting will look into the Least Developed Countries Furid (LDCF) and the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) for the GEF-8 Period of July 2022 to June 2026 to ensure that all 46 LDCs have access to enhanced support during the GEF-8 period

Mr. Daniele Violetti, Senior Director of the Programs Coordination and Director of the Means of Implementation Division, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, was also the other virtual key note speaker who said that GEF manages a fund dedicated to supporting climate adaptation priorities of 46 LDCs, as part of the financial mechanism for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The forum also featured presentations on how countries have used the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) to address issues such as environmental protection and climate change, water and energy, agriculture, food safety, and health. Angola, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Lesotho, Liberia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Yemen, and Zambia were present at the workshop to share knowledge and exchange good practices.

On the first day of the workshop, the technical team of the GEF discussed the activities planned by the office from their recommendations. They also presented a general current position on the 2022-2026 strategy, financial and technological use, understanding, and experience of the joint program between the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the GEF.

The forum was a valuable opportunity for countries to share experiences and learn from each other on how to address the challenges of climate change. The support provided by the GEF and other organizations is essential for helping developing countries to adapt to climate change and build a more sustainable future.