The Ministry of Planning and Development holds a High-Level Panel Discussion on the Outcomes of the Green Legacy on responding to the pressing challenges of climate Change

• by admin - 1 month, 4 weeks
• 0
• 1
• 4 min read
• 608 words

The Ministry of Planning and Development holds a High-Level Panel Discussion on the Outcomes of the Green Legacy on responding to the pressing challenges of climate Change

13 August 2024, Addis Ababa, (MOPD) Ethiopia

A high-level panel discussion under the theme of “Green Legacy and its Outcome on Climate Change”, took place on August 12, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Panel discussion was organized by the Ministry of Planning and Development of Ethiopia (MOPD) in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI),

The event featured welcoming remarks by H.E. Dr. Fistum Assefa, Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Development,

H.E. Dr. Fitsum Assefa, Minister, Ministry of Planning and Development welcomed the participants on the high-level panel discussion and thanked them for their presence considering this as a testimony of their collaboration on the Ethiopia’s flagship initiative – the Green Legacy.

H.E. Dr. Fitsum Assefa stressed that the irreplaceable role of Green Legacy for reducing the vulnerability of Ethiopians through creation of green job and ensuring inclusive economic, ensuring our food security as well. The impact of the Green Legacy will go beyond national jurisdiction including our neighboring countries and Africa and globally at large as well as halting greenhouse gas emissions, helping a sustainable and green development, uninterrupted water supply for Ethiopia and for Africa too.

The Minister further disclosed about the initiative’s lion's share contribution to our prioritized policy interventions including our reliable hydroelectric renewable energy supply, expansion of our eco-tourism, creating livable and clean city initiatives including the corridor Development initiative. She explained how these all are inter-linked with the national climate policies and development aspirations outlined in the 10 YDP, Updated NDC, NAP, LT-LEDS, among others.

H.E Dr. Fitsum Assefa said that the forest coverage of Ethiopia is 17.2%, in 2019, 23.6% in 2023, and H.E. disclosed in her speech that work is underway to reach 30 % by 2030. The Minister Dr. Fitsum extend a kind invitation to African countries, BRICS member states, developed country parties and AUC and UN Agencies to support Ethiopia in fulfilling this aspirations through Green Legacy.

“About 10 Billion tCO2e stored in the Ethiopian Forests” Dr. Adeferis Worku, the Technical Lead, Green Legacy Initiative, EFD, presented during the “Green Legacy and Its Outcome on Climate Change” high-level panel discussion.

Mr. Okechukwu Daniel Ogbonnaya, the country representative for the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), stated that the green legacy effort is remarkable and a fantastic way to encourage climate action, with results shared with other nations. He underlined that neighboring nations should follow Ethiopia's lead in adopting green development initiatives through the Green Legacy Initiative.

Higher government officials including H.E. Ato Seyoum Mekonnen, State Minister, MOPD; H.E. Prof. Eyasu Elias, State Minister, MOA; H.E. Ato Kebede Yimam, Director General, EFD was in the panel and elaborated the on ground achievements gained so far through the Green Legacy Initiative. The panelists outlined about the outcomes achieved under the Initiative so far in terms of curbing the land degradation and soil erosion; deforestation and desertification while calling partners from developed countries to make available the required resources such finance while calling on Africa fellow countries and regional and international organizations to join hands with the Government of Ethiopia for greater impact at scale and geography. 

More than 100 higher officials from government ministries, representatives of the embassies based in Addis Ababa, UN Agencies, CSOs, Youth representatives, representatives of the political parties on attendance.