Antalya:Addis Ababa Ethiopia is advocating for decisive global action and increased investment in Africa's green future.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos emphasized this during an interview with Türkiye’s TRT World One on One program. Speaking on the sidelines of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, he urged developed nations to convert their climate commitments into substantial support for green infrastructure, industrialization, and sustainable development throughout Africa.
Gedion highlighted the necessity for tangible outcomes at the current summit, as Ethiopia prepares to host COP32 in 2027. He underscored Ethiopia's priority to assist the COP31 presidency in achieving successful negotiations that will foster positive momentum for the upcoming climate conference in Addis Ababa. Moreover, Gedion expressed Ethiopia's expectations for COP31 to reach consensus and make significant decisions on climate adaptation, mitigation, implementation plans, and other measures needing operationalization.
Addressing Africa's climate priorities, the Foreign Minister insisted that developed countries show their commitment through actual investments in green infrastructure and a sustainable economic future for the continent. He shared that Ethiopia's initiatives, such as its tree-planting campaign, green mobility, and sustainable urbanization efforts, illustrate that environmental protection can drive economic transformation.
Gedion conveyed Ethiopia's intention to transform its commitments into concrete outcomes via climate negotiations and initiatives under its COP32 presidency. He stressed the importance of moving beyond declarations to advance the implementation of existing climate agreements and secure the necessary financing for developing countries.
He further called for enhanced political will and international cooperation, emphasizing the need to strengthen mechanisms, improve access to affordable capital, address credit-rating challenges, and expand direct budgetary support and official development assistance. Additionally, Gedion highlighted the significance of promoting international cooperation under the Paris Agreement and other legal instruments to ensure climate commitments lead to meaningful action.
Regarding Ethiopia-Türkiye relations, Gedion described the partnership as robust and historic, rooted in longstanding ties and mutual understanding. He encouraged Turkish businesses to increase investments in Ethiopia, especially in sectors such as hospitality, manufacturing, and construction, noting their potential contributions to Ethiopia's economy. He added that greater private-sector engagement would offer mutually beneficial opportunities and further reinforce the economic partnership between the two nations.
