Addis ababa: Ethiopia's environmental conservation efforts under its Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) offer an exemplary response to the climate crisis facing Africa, Ambassador of the Sahrawi Republic to Ethiopia and the African Union, Lamine Baali, said.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ambassador Baali commended Ethiopia's efforts to restore degraded landscapes and expand green coverage across the country. He described the initiative as increasingly important as Africa faces worsening climate-related challenges. Baali highlighted Ethiopia's achievements in transforming degraded areas into greener landscapes, noting that the GLI serves as a good example for other African nations, especially as they confront growing climate risks, including the potential impacts of El Ni±o.
Baali called for stronger cooperation among African countries to address climate change collectively, emphasizing the importance of the African Union and its Agenda 2063 framework. He stressed the need for member states to implement decisions and policies adopted under the continental framework related to climate change and preparedness. The ambassador also urged international organizations and development partners to honor their commitments to support African countries in strengthening climate resilience.
Stronger international cooperation is essential to help vulnerable African countries cope with the growing impacts of climate change, he said. Commenting on COP32, Baali noted that the conference would provide a critical platform for African countries to strengthen cooperation and develop common positions on climate change. He expressed hope that Ethiopia's leadership would help advance African cooperation and integration, emphasizing the need for greater climate finance and resources for affected countries and communities.
According to the ambassador, Ethiopia could play a leading role in helping Africa speak with one voice in international climate negotiations and secure increased resources to address the continent's climate challenges. He further underscored that stronger continental cooperation is critical to building Africa's resilience, improving preparedness for future climate-related crises, and advancing the implementation of Agenda 2063.