PM Abiy Inaugurates Refurbished Fasil Palace Compound in Gondar
Foreign Minister Gedion Delivers Remarks Chatham House Conference on Africa’s Global Role
COP 30 Held in Belem with Ethiopia Advancing Regional Endorsement to Host COP 32
Ethiopi a Highlights Landmark Environmental Initiatives at the Gaborone Biodiversity Summit
Ethiopia Participates in the Second World Summit for Social Development
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Bahir Dar city on Saturday (November 8) to assess ongoing development projects aimed at enhancing the city’s tourism potential. He inspected the Bahir Dar International Stadium, the Fellege Ghion Resort, and the Ethio-Ferries branch office under construction along Lake Tana, projects expected to accelerate Bahir Dar’s transformation into a modern tourism hub.
Prime Minister Abiy inaugurated the newly restored Fasil Palace Compound in Gondar on Friday (November 7), accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and senior federal and regional officials. The Prime Minister officially reopened the historic Fasil Ghebbi following an extensive restoration that revived the site’s grandeur while preserving its authenticity. (See article)
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, delivered an extensive address at the Foreign Policy Forum co-organized by Horn Review and Addis Ababa University on Thursday (November 13). The event brought together representatives of the international community, civil society organizations, academia, and the media for an in-depth conversation on Ethiopia’s foreign policy, regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa, and the state of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea. (See article)
A high-level Chatham House conference on “Africa’s Rising Influence: Advancing Agency in Foreign Policy and Global Governance” was held in Addis Ababa from November 5 to 6. The event, organized in collaboration with Amani Africa and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), brought together African and international stakeholders to explore ways for Africa to strengthen its strategic influence on the global stage. (See article)
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) opened in Belem under the theme “Collective Global Effort.” The Leaders’ Meeting, held from November 6 to 7, brought together 57 heads of state and government. The leaders’ segment is followed by two weeks of formal negotiations, continuing until November 21. (See article)
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera, held discussions on Thursday (November 13) with Patricia Llombart Cussac, Managing Director for Africa at the European Union External Action Service (EEAS), at his office. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on ways to strengthen their strategic engagement and discussed regional issues of mutual concern.
Ambassador Hadera received Namibia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mbapeua Muvangua, on Monday (November 10). The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing shared goals.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, met with Aboubakri Diaw, Chief of Staff of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, on Wednesday (November 12). Ambassador Berhanu reaffirmed Ethiopia’s strong support for UN institutions and commitment to the effective implementation of their missions.
Ethiopia is intensifying efforts to accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO), aiming to conclude the process at the WTO Assembly in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in March 2026. Significant progress has been made over the past year during the 5th and 6th rounds of multilateral negotiations. (See article)
The Second World Summit for Social Development convened in Doha from November 4 to 6, building on the 1995 First World Summit for Social Development and its Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. The Doha Summit aimed to take stock of social progress over the past three decades. (See article)
The first Africa-Bangladesh Trade Forum was held in Addis Ababa on Thursday (November 13), under the theme, “Africa’s Gateway, Trade and Development”. The forum, co-organized by the Bangladesh Embassy in Ethiopia and the Africa-Bangladesh Business Forum, brought together business leaders, investors and policymakers from Bangladesh, Ethiopia and the African continent.
Ethiopia participated in the 17th Annual Retreat of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) held in Abuja, Nigeria, from November 6–7. The delegation, led by Daniel Tenkir, Director for Peace and Security at Ethiopia’s Permanent Mission to the African Union and UNECA, reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the AU’s zero-tolerance policy on Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCGs).
Djibouti
President Ismail Omar Guelleh was officially nominated on Saturday (November 8) as the candidate of Rassemblement Populaire pour le Progrès (RPP) for the April 2026 presidential election during an extraordinary congress at the Palais du Peuple attended by senior officials and supporters.
Somalia
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in Algiers on Wednesday (November 12) to discuss strengthening cooperation across key sectors and advancing shared regional goals. He was also welcomed by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at Al-Muradiya Palace in Algiers on Tuesday (November 11).
Africa and the African Union
The inaugural Africa Biodiversity Summit was held from November 2 to 5 in Gaborone, Botswana, marking a historic moment in Africa’s environmental diplomacy. Convened by the African Union Commission (AUC) under the theme “Leveraging Biodiversity for Africa’s Prosperity,” the summit elevated biodiversity from a conservation concern to a strategic development priority. (See article)
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, co-chaired the Ninth African Union–United Nations Annual Conference at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday (November 13). The two leaders reaffirmed the AU–UN partnership as vital to global peace, security, and sustainable development, expressing concern over armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, and the erosion of international law.
Earlier, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, Selma Malika Haddadi, and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed co-chaired the Fifth AU–UN High-Level Strategic Dialogue on Sustainable Development at the UN Headquarters on Monday (November 10).
At the Leaders’ Summit in Belém, Brazil, AUC Chairperson Youssouf addressed participants at COP30 on Thursday (November 7), underscoring Africa’s role as an agent of transformation and highlighting its leadership in building a just, inclusive, low-carbon future.
PM Abiy Inaugurates Refurbished Fasil Palace Compound in Gondar
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the newly restored Fasil Palace Compound in Gondar on Friday (November 7), accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and senior federal and regional officials. The Prime Minister officially reopened the historic Fasil Ghebbi following an extensive restoration that revived the site’s grandeur while preserving its authenticity.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said the project had “breathed new life into a treasured heritage site,” preserving its history while enhancing its beauty and accessibility. The restoration included repairing palace structures, improving pathways, and refurbishing key buildings using traditional materials such as cedar and wanza wood.
Modern amenities, including a new tourist center, upgraded lighting, security systems, and improved public facilities, have also been added. Several iconic landmarks, among them the palaces of Emperors Fasil, Yohannes I, and Eyasu I, as well as bridges, baths, and historic gates, have been restored. Over 40,000 square meters of the compound were landscaped to create a more welcoming environment for visitors.
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh described the inauguration as the beginning of Gondar’s “second era of civilization.” He also highlighted wider development efforts across Gondar, including the renovation of the Azazo–Piazza road and the revitalization of the Megech River project.
The transformation of Gondar has visibly improved its infrastructure and urban landscape, enhancing its appeal as a tourism destination and strengthening its role as a cultural and economic hub in northern Ethiopia. The restoration of the UNESCO-listed Fasil Ghebbi complex, completed within a year, ensures the long-term preservation of one of Ethiopia’s most treasured heritage sites.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos Addresses Foreign Policy Forum on Developments in the Horn of Africa
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, delivered an extensive address at the Foreign Policy Forum co-organized by Horn Review and Addis Ababa University on Thursday (November 13). The event brought together representatives of the international community, civil society organizations, academia, and the media for an in-depth conversation on Ethiopia’s foreign policy, regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa, and the state of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Opening his remarks, Minister Gedion outlined Ethiopia’s overarching foreign policy priorities, reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace, regional stability, and cooperative development. He emphasized Ethiopia’s long-standing vision for regional economic integration, an approach rooted in shared development potential, intertwined histories, and the common destiny of the peoples of the Horn. He stressed that dialogue, mutual respect, and a clear understanding of the region’s complex historical context are essential to addressing shared challenges and building sustainable peace.
Historical Roots of the Ethio-Eritrean Question
In reviewing contemporary tensions, Minister Gedion traced the conflict’s roots across seven decades. Since the mid-20th century, Ethiopia and Eritrea have experienced federation, unification, secession, and repeated conflict.
He recalled that from the early 1960s until 1991, a thirty-year civil war shaped regional dynamics. Although Eritrea’s independence in 1993 brought a short period of calm, conflict erupted again in 1998. The Eritrea-Ethiopia Claims Commission later determined that Eritrea initiated the war, concluding that “Eritrean armed forces…attacked the town of Badme” and thereby violated Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.
The 2000 Algiers Agreement ended active hostilities but did not resolve the underlying conflict. For eighteen years, the two countries remained locked in a “no-peace, no-war” cycle.
The Minister noted Ethiopia’s significant steps in 2018 to normalize relations, rehabilitate Eritrea’s international standing, and support the lifting of international sanctions. While the rapprochement was short-lived, it revealed the “overwhelming will and aspirations of the peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea to live in peace and harmony.”
He added that this desire was not matched by the Government of Eritrea, which he said continues to reject normal neighborly relations. He cautioned that current tensions should not be interpreted as a new or exceptional development, as the historical record shows conflict has been the dominant feature of relations for decades.
Misinterpretations and the Need for Proper Understanding
The Minister criticized external observers who attribute current tensions to Ethiopia’s questions on access to the sea. He argued that such views overlook decades of Eritrean hostility even at moments when Ethiopia categorically renounced maritime claims. He referenced past governments that opposed any reconsideration of Ethiopia’s sea access but still faced destabilization efforts from Eritrea.
He cautioned against superficial analysis that identified a complex interplay of economic, historical, and cultural factors behind the 1998–2000 conflict. The Minister warned that today’s focus on the port of Assab risks repeating earlier mistakes of misdiagnosis.
Five Structural Drivers of Chronic Tension
Minister Gedion outlined five key underlying causes that, in his view, perpetuate conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea:
1. A Desire for Sovereignty Without Responsibility
He described a long-standing pattern in which the Eritrean leadership seeks the privileges of an independent state while maintaining deep interference in Ethiopia’s domestic affairs, including political commentary and exploitative economic practices.
2. Eritrea’s Role as a Regional Proxy
The Minister argued that Eritrea has repeatedly aligned itself with external actors who wish to weaken Ethiopia, noting this pattern dates back to the colonial era and continues in various forms today.
3. The “Isayas Doctrine”
He described an unwritten doctrine whereby Eritrea’s security is seen as dependent on Ethiopia’s instability. This, he said, reflects deep anxieties about Eritrea’s long-term statehood and encourages hostile policies toward Ethiopia.
4. The Anomalous Nature of the Eritrean State
Minister Gedion criticized Eritrea’s governance model, noting that its highly militarized state structure prioritizes coercive capacity over citizen welfare. He described a system in which society is subordinated to the state, leading to indefinite military service, widespread migration, and the absence of normal economic policy considerations.
He added that this “Nakfa syndrome,” an inability to move beyond guerrilla-era governance, prevents Eritrea from engaging constructively with neighbors.
5. Ethiopian Public Perceptions of 1993
He noted that a considerable portion of politically conscious Ethiopians believe the transitional government’s handling of Eritrea’s secession compromised Ethiopia’s long-term interests. While such sentiments have decreased over time, Ethiopians who came of age in the last thirty years now accept Eritrean statehood as a given, yet many still view Ethiopia’s exclusion from the Red Sea as unjust. He stressed that Ethiopia’s long-term economic sustainability requires secure and durable access to the sea, framing it as an existential development question rather than a territorial claim.
Current Realities and Ethiopia’s Restraint
Minister Gedion highlighted ongoing provocations, including Eritrean military presence inside Ethiopian territory and support to armed groups opposed to the Government of Ethiopia. These actions, he argued, constitute grounds for Ethiopia to exercise its right to self-defense.
However, he stated that Ethiopia has chosen restraint, a policy shaped by its focus on economic recovery and long-term growth. He stressed that such restraint reflects Ethiopia’s conscious choice to pursue peace but cautioned that it “should not and cannot be taken as indefinite or unconditional.”
Ethiopia’s Vision for the Horn of Africa
Ethiopia’s vision for the Horn of Africa centers on a future in which the region functions as a shared geo-economic and cultural space. In his remarks, the Minister highlighted the importance of regional economic integration, stronger infrastructure connectivity, expanded trade and investment, and the gradual development of a common market. He underscored that these pillars form the basis of a more stable, prosperous, and interlinked Horn of Africa.
He emphasized that realizing this vision requires two key principles. The first is strategic autonomy, meaning that countries in the Horn must craft policies rooted in their national interests rather than the agendas of external powers. The second is that the project of economic integration must be built on trust and mutual respect. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of each state should be upheld, as meaningful integration cannot advance in an environment where hegemonic ambitions, whether external or internal, continue to shape relations.
The Minister noted that Ethiopia seeks to champion an inclusive, negotiated, and trust-based approach to regional cooperation, one that ensures all countries in the Horn of Africa benefit from shared progress.
The Future of Ethio-Eritrean Relations
Minister Gedion concluded by underscoring the deep historical, cultural, and human ties between Ethiopia and Eritrea, stating that the two countries share “virtually one people.” This does not diminish Eritrea’s sovereignty, he said, but affirms a foundation for coexistence and cooperation.
He argued that, ideally, Ethiopia and Eritrea should form the nucleus of a future Horn of Africa economic community, an objective achievable only through stability, mutual respect, and responsible leadership.
On the Matter of Access to the Sea
The Minister stressed the critical importance of maritime access for Ethiopia’s economic future. He noted that a vibrant economy supporting over 130 million people cannot thrive without reliable access to the sea.
“A vibrant economy that can provide livelihoods for a population of more than 130 million people requires durable and secure access to the sea,” he said. “Without such access, Ethiopia cannot achieve the economic progress necessary for sustained development. Ethiopia must not be locked in poverty.”
He added that sustainable growth and economic dynamism are essential to addressing Ethiopia’s development challenges. “Only by creating new and equitable opportunities through sustained growth and economic dynamism can Ethiopia transcend the faultlines of poverty and conflict. Therefore, the quest for durable and secure access to the sea is an existential matter for our country,” he concluded.
The Role of the International Community
Turning to the international community, the Minister highlighted its potential role in supporting peace and regional integration in the Horn of Africa. He urged global actors to engage constructively and help realize a long-term vision for stability.
“Finally, let me address the role the international community could play,” he stated. “The world cannot afford another 30 years of conflict, poverty, displacement, and chaos in the Horn of Africa. The international community, particularly actors whose interests in our region are not malevolent, can play a critical role by supporting this vision.”
He called on the international community to influence Eritrea toward constructive engagement. “I urge the international community to disabuse the Eritrean government of its misguided policies towards Ethiopia and the region, and encourage Eritrea to participate in this vision of integration by taking small, tangible steps toward a brighter future. Rigid, uncompromising, outdated, and Manichean conceptions of sovereignty must give way to a more collaborative and integrated economic future that benefits all of us,” he said.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing the shared responsibility of both governments and the necessity of dialogue. “We should not be captives of our history, but masters of our future destiny. We cannot undo the past, nor the pain and suffering endured by generations because conflict was often chosen over dialogue. But we can change what happens today and tomorrow. This responsibility lies primarily with the governments of both states. The Government of Ethiopia is ready for dialogue and a different future. We call upon the international community to exert pressure and encourage the Eritrean government to desist from provocations and violations against Ethiopia, and to engage in good-faith dialogue,” he said.
A panel discussion followed his remarks, during which participants raised questions on peace, security, and regional integration in the Horn of Africa. Minister Gedion provided detailed responses, further clarifying Ethiopia’s positions on key regional issues. (Click to read the full speech https://mfaethiopia.blog/2025/11/14/speech-by-foreign-minister-gedion-timothewos-at-the-foreign-policy-forum-on-developments-in-the-horn-of-africa/)
Foreign Minister Gedion Delivers Remarks at Chatham House Conference on Africa’s Global Role
A high-level Chatham House conference on “Africa’s Rising Influence: Advancing Agency in Foreign Policy and Global Governance” was held in Addis Ababa from November 5 to 6. The event, organized in collaboration with Amani Africa and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), brought together African and international stakeholders to explore ways for Africa to strengthen its strategic influence on the global stage.
The conference featured deliberations emphasizing the role of Africa in a multipolar world, regional and continental coordination for global impact, African priorities in sustainable development, climate diplomacy, and biodiversity, strengthening African-led peace and security initiatives, and the continent’s soft power through cultural diplomacy and global influence, among other topics.
Delegates included ministers, ambassadors, senior officials from international organizations, representatives of research institutions, and members of regional bodies including the African Union, SADC, and IGAD.
During the opening session, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos underscored the need for thorough consideration of Africa’s position within a rapidly shifting global order. He emphasized the need for African nations to recognize the opportunities and risks within the contemporary multipolar environment and to adopt coordinated strategies that elevate the continent as a rising power. The Minister also noted, on the occasion, recent movements of goods from Ethiopia to Kenya, Somalia, and South Africa as an indication of growing regional economic activity under the continental framework, AfCFTA.
Minister Gedion highlighted that Africa must transform its presence on the world stage into real influence and ultimately into improved outcomes for its people. He emphasized the central role of the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities, and the AfCFTA in strengthening continental cooperation. He further noted the AU’s accession to the G20 as evidence that global challenges cannot be addressed without Africa’s involvement, while also reaffirming Ethiopia’s readiness to work with African partners toward reforms in global governance and to advance Africa-led approaches to peace, security, and development.
Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, Chief of Staff of the African Union Commission, on his part, emphasized that Africa is now taking an active role in shaping outcomes, setting agendas, and promoting solutions that serve not only its peoples but also the broader world, moving beyond merely observing global affairs. He highlighted the scale of AU-mandated peace operations, developments in intra-African trade, and progress in renewable energy and green industrial initiatives across the continent.
Ambassador Souef further outlined key areas where Africa seeks support, including reliable and predictable access to climate finance and development, sustained backing for the African peace and security architecture, strengthened economic integration, and recognition of Africa’s contributions to sustainable peace.
The two-day conference hosted in Addis Ababa provided participants with a platform to deliberate on Africa’s growing strategic role, identify priority areas for joint action, and reflect on the institutional and policy measures needed to strengthen the continent’s voice in global governance.
As part of the program, participants visited the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum and Unity Park, where they examined exhibits showcasing Ethiopia’s role in African independence, demonstrated by its decisive victory at the Battle of Adwa, and reflected on the importance of continental cooperation.
COP 30 Held in Belem with Ethiopia Advancing Regional Endorsement to Host COP 32
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) opened in Belem under the theme “Collective Global Effort.” The Leaders’ Meeting, held from November 6 to 7, brought together 57 heads of state and government. The leaders’ segment is followed by two weeks of formal negotiations, continuing until November 21.
Presenting Ethiopia’s national statement, Ambassador Leulseged Abebe, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Brazil, outlined three imperatives for effective climate action.
First, home-grown climate action, Ethiopia encouraged all developing countries to center their efforts on community mobilization and the use of domestic resources.
Second, the urgent need to deliver the means of implementation, particularly by developed countries, by honoring the Paris Agreement climate finance commitments, which include mobilizing USD 1.3 trillion annually to close the financing gap.
Third, the need to triple renewable energy investment by increasing Africa’s share of the global USD 60 billion energy investment from just 2 percent to 20 percent by 2030.
Ethiopia also underscored the urgency of ensuring fair, sustainable, and just supply chains for critical minerals, which are essential for developing zero- and low-emission energy technologies.
In Belem, Ethiopia successfully advanced its bid to host COP 32 in Addis Ababa in 2027, receiving unanimous endorsement from the African Group of Negotiators (AGN). Africa’s COP will be presented to the broader UNFCCC membership, with further engagements to follow with the Secretariat.
Ethiopia’s delegation also promoted the outcomes of the Second African Climate Summit, as reflected in the Addis Ababa Declaration. In this regard, Ethiopia called for global support for the decision to establish the African Climate Facility (ACF) and the Africa Climate Innovation Compact (ACIC), and to mobilize USD 50 billion annually in catalytic finance to drive climate innovation and scale up local solutions across Africa.
Ethiopia’s commitment to ambitious climate action is reflected in its active participation in negotiation rooms, side events, and pavilions in Belem. The Ethiopian Pavilion showcases a diverse range of initiatives spanning forestry, green energy, smart agriculture, biodiversity, transport, industry, and environmental protection, and hosts dialogues engaging climate stakeholders from around the world.
Ethiopia Signs Bilateral Market Access Protocols with Argentina, China, and Russia, A Key Step Toward WTO Accession
Ethiopia is intensifying efforts to accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO), aiming to conclude the process at the WTO Assembly in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in March 2026. Significant progress has been made over the past year during the 5th and 6th rounds of multilateral negotiations.
On the bilateral track, a major development in recent weeks saw Ethiopia sign market access protocols with Argentina, China, and Russia. These agreements are the culmination of several rounds of technical negotiations with the three WTO member states. They also reflect strong cross-regional confidence in Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms to align its trade regime with WTO rules and principles.
Given the pivotal role of these countries in the WTO system and global trade, the signing of the protocols marks an important step in advancing Ethiopia’s accession process. It provides fresh momentum for negotiations with the 12 other countries still in discussion. Furthermore, it strengthens confidence in wrapping up the multilateral track, in which Ethiopia has responded to over 1,000 questions from WTO member states.
To align its regulatory framework with international trade standards, Ethiopia has promulgated over 130 new pieces of legislation, enhancing guaranteed market access, modernizing the trade regime, and supporting economic growth and prosperity. Ethiopia has also made offers to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers while ensuring that trade rules are transparent, predictable, and consistent with WTO principles. The recent launch of trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) further demonstrates Ethiopia’s commitment to opening the economy and fostering competition.
At a time when the WTO-centered international trade system faces challenges, Ethiopia’s accession presents an opportunity to revitalize the system. With a large domestic market and investment potential, Ethiopia offers attractive opportunities for WTO member states.
As WTO accession negotiations enter a critical phase, it is essential that countries engaged in bilateral market access negotiations support an expedited conclusion of the process to ensure Ethiopia joins the WTO family in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭
The inaugural Africa Biodiversity Summit was held from November 2 to 5 in Gaborone, Botswana, marking a historic moment in Africa’s environmental diplomacy. Convened by the African Union Commission (AUC) under the theme “Leveraging Biodiversity for Africa’s Prosperity,” the summit elevated biodiversity from a conservation concern to a strategic development priority.
Leading Ethiopia’s delegation, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union and UNECA, Bereket Diriba, highlighted Ethiopia’s achievements in biodiversity conservation. Notable initiatives include the Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative, rural watershed development projects, and the Addis Ababa Riverside Project, which integrates urban development with biodiversity conservation. Additionally, Ethiopia’s efforts in ecotourism were showcased as exemplary models that ensure communities benefit from biodiversity conservation.
It is stated that under the Green Legacy Initiative, Ethiopia has planted over 48 billion tree seedlings since 2019, boosting its forest coverage from 17% in 2019 to over 23% in 2024 with the participation of over 25 million Ethiopians.
During the Summit, Ethiopia reiterates its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the goals stated in the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It’s indicated that as part of its commitment, Ethiopia is actively updating its national biodiversity strategy to align with the “30 by 30” targets, aiming to protect and restore 30% of its ecosystems by 2030.
Additionally, Ethiopia’s work in conserving and protecting over 14% of its land through national parks and reserves is highlighted. It’s indicated that through the AFR100 and Bonn Challenge, Ethiopia has pledged to restore 15 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, the largest commitment in Africa.
Furthermore, to achieve shared global biodiversity conservation objectives, Ethiopia calls upon global partners to fulfill their biodiversity financing commitments: $20 billion by 2025, rising to $30 billion by 2030.
The Deputy Permanent Representative further stressed Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to biodiversity conservation as a cornerstone of sustainable development and climate resilience. He has also echoed the government’s calls upon African nations, development partners, and global stakeholders to scale up investment, share knowledge, and strengthen regional coordination to ensure that biodiversity becomes a shared pillar of prosperity and resilience across the continent.
On the sidelines of the summit, the African Wildlife Foundation, with support from the Rob Walton Foundation, launched the Africa Keystone Protected Area Partnership initiative aimed at supporting the conservation of reserves, parks and protected areas across the continent. Among the 162 most irreplaceable protected areas selected from across 33 African countries, three parks, i.e., Bale Mountains National Park, Borana National Park, and Gambela National Park are included from Ethiopia. To explore the next steps and areas of cooperation, Ethiopia’s delegation held a fruitful discussion with the Rob Walton Foundation team.
The Summit was concluded with the adoption of the Gaborone Biodiversity Declaration that reaffirms Africa’s collective commitment to conserving biodiversity as a foundation for sustainable development, ecological resilience, and inclusive growth. It also advocates for innovative financing, regional cooperation, and alignment with global frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Agenda 2063.
Ethiopia Participates in the Second World Summit for Social Development
The Second World Summit for Social Development convened in Doha from November 4 to 6, building on the 1995 First World Summit for Social Development and its Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. The Doha Summit aimed to take stock of social progress over the past three decades.
At the opening session, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock urged world leaders to make the “last mile” push to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, create decent work, and reform the global financial architecture. They described the Doha Political Declaration as a “booster shot for development” and called on states to deliver on their commitments.
Ethiopia actively participated in the summit, presenting its achievements and best practices in poverty eradication, social justice, and inclusive development. In delivering Ethiopia’s statement, Feisel Aliyi, Ambassador of Ethiopia to the State of Qatar, highlighted the country’s impactful policies and initiatives advancing SDGs 1 and 2, lifting millions out of poverty and ensuring food security. He also emphasized Ethiopia’s achievements in health, education, women and girls’ empowerment, digital transformation, and food security. Addressing persistent social development challenges, he called for strengthened multilateralism and reforms in international financial architecture and trade regimes.
Ethiopia also secured significant financial support for its flagship initiatives. At a side event, the First Leaders’ Meeting of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty (GAAHP), Ethiopia showcased its “Yelemate Terufat” Initiative. The program was one of five selected from different countries for funding by GAAHP. At the conclusion of the event, the initiative received over USD 80 million in pledges and technical assistance, providing a major boost to its ongoing efforts to improve food and nutrition security.
At another side event organized by the FAO, focused on follow-up to the UN Food Systems Stocktake Summit held in Addis Ababa in July 2025, Ethiopia shared best practices and reiterated its commitment to transforming food systems.
The summit concluded with the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration of the World Social Summit, demonstrating Member States’ collective determination to advance social development in a rapidly changing global context. The Declaration underscores the need for renewed global commitment, particularly in supporting developing countries’ access to fair and sustainable financing.
It is recalled that the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action (1995) identified poverty eradication, productive employment and decent work, and social inclusion as the three pillars of social development. These pillars have guided global action over the last three decades, including the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The The Doha Summit aimed to draw lessons, illuminate the path forward, and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
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