Ethiopia to Host COP32 and Appoints Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos as President-Designate
IGAD Media Award Held in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia Participates in the 12th High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske-Selassie bade farewell on Thursday (December 4) to New Zealand Ambassador Michael Upton and Kenyan Ambassador George Orina, expressing appreciation for their service and the strengthened bilateral relations during their tenure.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a discussion with the Executive Secretary of UN ECA Clave Gatete on Thursday (December 4) on the needs and modalities of working together to deliver an African COP in 2027.
A permanent peace agreement was signed between the Amhara National Regional State and the Amhara Fano Popular Organization (AFPO) on Thursday (December 4). The agreement was signed by Arega Kebede, Chief Administrator of the Amhara Regional State, and Captain Masresha Sete, representative of the Amhara Fano Popular Organization, in the presence of officials from the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
Ethiopia will host the 2027 UN Climate Change Conference (COP32) in Addis Ababa. The decision, endorsed at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, with unanimous support from the African Group, underscores Africa’s expanding role in shaping the future of international climate policy. Following this decision, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos was appointed as COP32 President-Designate on Wednesday (November 26), immediately after Ethiopia secured the hosting rights. (See article)
A national validation and dissemination program examining Ethiopia’s readiness for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was held on Tuesday (November 25), at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa. The event, organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) in partnership with UNDP Ethiopia, focused on the study titled “Policy and Regulatory Harmonization of SME Competitiveness: Ethiopia’s Journey towards AfCFTA Implementation.” (See article)
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera, met with Wang Lixin, Director-General of the Department of External Security Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with her delegation on Thursday (December 4). The discussion provided a valuable opportunity to review the ongoing partnership and advance key aspects of security cooperation.
Later that day, the State Minister also met with Nicolas Simard, Canada’s new Ambassador to Ethiopia. They held discussions on deepening long-standing and productive bilateral ties, expanding collaboration in trade and investment, and enhancing cooperation on peace and security issues.
On the same day. Ambassador Hadera met with Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, Personal Envoy of UN Secretary-General António Guterres to Sudan, to discuss the situation in Sudan and areas of mutual interest.
Ambassador Hadera received at his office on Tuesday (December 2) Miroslav Kosek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ethiopia, and Henrik Orrling, vice president for business development at Škoda Transportation, a leading Czech company recognized for its cutting-edge and innovative transport technologies. The State Minister emphasized Ethiopia’s rapidly growing population, expanding market opportunities, and ongoing economic reforms, along with the investment prospects created by the country’s commitment to smart city development.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, met with Mohamed Abdi Ware, Deputy Secretary-General of IGAD, on Tuesday (December 2) for a productive exchange of views on avenues to further deepen cooperations. Ambassador Berhanu stated that Ethiopia will continue its strong cooperation with IGAD, a vital platform for regional diplomacy and collective decision-making.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a Press Statement on Wednesday (December 3) that recent remarks by Egyptian officials rejecting dialogue and invoking colonial-era claims reflect an outdated approach to Nile issues, noting that such positions overlook contemporary regional realities and have contributed to destabilizing policies in the Horn of Africa, particularly toward Ethiopia.
Ethiopia was unanimously elected as a member of the World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Board during the 179th Session of the Council of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) on Thursday (December 4).
Ethiopia took part in a two-day international conference in Algeria from November 30 to December 1, aligned with the AU theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparation” and the AU General Assembly resolution to criminalize colonialism.
Kenya
President William Ruto met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Thursday (December 4) on broadening avenues of collaboration to bolster Kenya’s reform agenda.
On the same day, President ruto witnessed the signing of the Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi In Washington, D.C., in the United States.
Sudan
President of the Transitional Sovereign Council of the Republic of Sudan Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met on Sunday (November 30) with Ramtane Lamamra, the personal envoy of the U.N. Secretary-General, for talks to end the conflict in Sudan.
Africa and the African Union
The third round of the annual IGAD Media Awards ceremony was held on Sunday (November 30) at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa. This year’s IGAD Media Awards is themed “Storytelling for Climate Action: For a Secure, Resilient, and Stable Region.” (See article)
The Ethiopian Delegation, led by Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and UNECA, participated at the 12th High Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa (Oran Process) held in Algiers, Algeria, from December 1 to 2. (See article)
Ethiopia to Host COP32 and Appoints Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos as President-Designate
Ethiopia will host the 2027 UN Climate Change Conference (COP32) in Addis Ababa. The decision, endorsed at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, with unanimous support from the African Group, underscores Africa’s expanding role in shaping the future of international climate policy. Following this decision, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos was appointed as COP32 President-Designate on Wednesday (November 26), immediately after Ethiopia secured the hosting rights.
As President-Designate, his primary responsibility is to spearhead and coordinate the entire preparatory process for the 2027 climate summit. This role requires close alignment with national authorities to ensure domestic ministries and agencies are synchronized on the logistical and policy tasks ahead; engagement with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) bodies to guarantee the conference meets all international guidelines and procedural expectations; and collaboration with international partners, including governments, climate institutions, and non-state actors, to build consensus, shape priorities, and lay the groundwork for meaningful outcomes.
Since the appointment was made, FM Gedion’s initial actions have focused on establishing organizational clarity and undertaking high-level outreach. A National Steering Committee meeting was convened immediately after the announcement, in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, to outline core preparatory tasks and reaffirm the government’s commitment to an inclusive and well-coordinated planning process.
Ethiopia’s selection as the host of COP32 represents a significant development for the continent, elevating Africa’s climate agenda and reinforcing Ethiopia’s longstanding contributions to global climate action. This decision also places the nation at the forefront of international climate diplomacy. The selection also validates Ethiopia’s domestic climate record, especially the Green Legacy Initiative and the country’s heavy investment in renewable energy systems, positioning these efforts as models for sustainable development in emerging economies.
Assuming the COP Presidency grants Ethiopia substantial influence in shaping the agenda and outcomes of COP32, enabling it to help shift the global narrative from viewing Africa primarily as a victim of climate change to recognizing the continent as a source of innovative solutions. Ethiopia plans to use its hosting role to highlight tangible national achievements while advancing the broader African agenda on climate finance, adaptation, and resilience.
IGAD Media Award Held in Addis Ababa
The third round of the annual IGAD Media Awards ceremony was held on Sunday (November 30) at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa. This year’s IGAD Media Awards is themed “Storytelling for Climate Action: For a Secure, Resilient, and Stable Region.”
The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, in his opening remarks, extended his gratitude to the Government of Ethiopia and other IGAD partners and sponsors whose steadfast support and belief in the power of storytelling have made the gathering remarkable.
Recalling the previous media award ceremonies, first in Djibouti and second in Nairobi, Kenya, the Executive Secretary stated that this annual media event continues to amplify voices that shape the region’s story with courage, truth, and unwavering integrity. He added that “custodians of our shared story,” including journalists, storytellers, and content creators, play an exceptional role in a world where external narratives often overshadow African voices by stepping “forward with clarity and defiance.” The transformative resolve of members of the fourth estate is instrumental in ensuring that “our stories are told by us, for us,” Workneh echoed. “It is an act of regional self-determination,” he stated.
Commending the remarkable and inspirational work done by media personalities in the region on matters of climate change, he said, “You have reclaimed our narrative from distortion, ensuring the world sees us not through borrowed eyes but through the sharp focus of our own truth. In doing so, you empower communities, deepen understanding, and build bridges across divides once thought immovable.” Reiterating the theme of this year’s award, he underscored the fact that “climate action, security, peace, and food security are not abstractions; they are the pulse of our region. Climate change is no longer approaching; it is right here, right now.”
The Chief Guest on the occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos, also delivered his opening remarks. In his remarks, he emphasised that this year’s theme is a reminder that climate change has become a global concern, particularly for the Horn of Africa. Quoting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, he stated that “our journey has been tested by drought, conflict, and global shocks.” These recurring climatic shockwaves oscillating between extreme drought and devastating floods continue to test our resilience.”
Since its inception, FM Gedion stated, IGAD has been central to the regional climate response. Guided by the IGAD Climate Adaptation Strategy, it coordinates efforts to combat the impacts of climate change, he mentioned. Despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, FM Gedion underscored, the Horn of Africa region continues to shoulder a disproportionate burden from climate change caused by activities beyond borders.
The Minister also reiterated Ethiopia’s continued commitment to climate action. In this regard, he highlighted the fact that climate action is at the centre of Ethiopia’s development policies, as clearly enshrined in the Ten-Year Development Plan. He said Ethiopia, as a key member of the IGAD family, continues steadfast in its commitment to the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement while upholding its crucial status as Africa’s “green champion.” He noted that the national narrative transcends despair, focusing instead on actionable solutions and transformative changes, including the Green Legacy Initiative, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and Yelemat Tirufat (Bounty of the Basket), among others.
It is in this context that Ethiopia hosts the IGAD Media Awards, recognizing the media’s crucial role in the collective climate fight, the Foreign Minister told participants. The media raises public awareness, holds leaders accountable, disseminates vital information, and amplifies vulnerable voices, ultimately enabling coordinated action, he stressed.
The Minister congratulated the awardees whose professionalism and dedication have significantly advanced public awareness and informed decision-making. He also called upon the recipients of the awards and, through them, fellow career and citizen journalists, to assist governments and regional organizations in the fight against climate change by changing public conversation, influencing policy, and catalyzing community-driven solutions in the region.
on the evening, 20 nominees received awards in 11 major categories, including television, radio, print, digital, influencer, photography, gender-responsive media, upcoming media personality of the year, indigenous language, and lifetime achievement award.
The winning and participating journalists of the 3rd Eastern Africa Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Media Awards, which was held in Addis Ababa, have paid a visit to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the following day on Monday (December 1).
Ambassador Hadera Abera, Deputy Executive Secretary of IGAD Mohamed Abdi Ware, and IGAD Head of Mission to Ethiopia Abebaw Bihonegn, as well as other senior officials from the Government of Ethiopia and IGAD, also took part in the visit.
During the visit, journalists from IGAD Member States underscored that the GERD plays a significant role not only for Ethiopia but also for neighboring countries by strengthening cooperation in renewable energy and contributing to ongoing efforts to combat climate change.
The journalists added that the unified mobilization of the Ethiopian people in constructing this monumental dam serves as an inspiring example of successful project implementation for other African countries.
State Minister Ambassador Hadera Highlights Ethiopia’s Commitment to AfCFTA Implementation and SME Competitiveness
A national validation and dissemination program examining Ethiopia’s readiness for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was held on Tuesday (November 25) at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa. The event, organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) in partnership with UNDP Ethiopia, focused on the study titled “Policy and Regulatory Harmonization of SME Competitiveness: Ethiopia’s Journey towards AfCFTA Implementation.”
The program aimed to assess Ethiopia’s preparedness for AfCFTA implementation, with particular attention to strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The research sought to provide evidence-based policy guidance, highlight gaps in operational readiness, and support national and continental decision-making as AfCFTA moves from negotiation to execution.
The session brought together senior government officials, researchers, diplomats, and development partners, including State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister of Labor and Skills Solomon Soka, State Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Abdulhakim Mulu, IFA Executive Director Jafar Bedru, and UNDP Country Director Samuel Gbaydee Doe.
In his address, Ambassador Hadera reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to continental integration, recalling that the country was among the first to sign the AfCFTA and has now formally moved into the implementation phase. He emphasized that, amid growing global trade pressures and tariff barriers, it is essential for African countries to accelerate negotiations on the remaining tariff lines to ensure the full operationalization of the agreement.
Ambassador Hadera also highlighted the work of the National AfCFTA Implementation Committee, led by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration and co-chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is tasked with coordinating national efforts, addressing implementation challenges, and leveraging emerging opportunities in the expanding African market. He further underlined the critical contribution of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to job creation and inclusive growth, stressing that the government is strengthening productivity, market access, technological capacity, and policy coherence to enhance their competitiveness under the AfCFTA framework.
Highlighting that Ethiopia is advancing SME competitiveness through policy reforms, tariff implementation, capacity-building initiatives, and evidence-driven programs, he underlined the importance of coherent national action supported by ongoing research to guide Ethiopia’s regional trade engagement and ensure businesses benefit from a more integrated African market.
On the occasion, State Minister Abdulhakim commended the partnership between IFA and UNDP, stressing that the program represented a major stride in Ethiopia’s integration into AfCFTA. He described AfCFTA as Africa’s emerging single market and said the framework would enable Ethiopian SMEs to meet continental standards, improve export capacity, and unlock wider economic opportunities.
IFA Executive Director Jafar underscored, on his part, that successful AfCFTA implementation requires collective responsibility. He stressed that Ethiopia’s political commitment must be matched with institutional capacity, regulatory clarity, and logistical readiness. Jafar noted that the newly launched study represents an important step toward identifying the structural gaps that hinder SMEs and toward formulating actionable strategies for Ethiopia’s effective participation in the continental market.
UNDP Country Director Samuel Gbaydee Doe emphasized the pivotal role of SMEs in job creation, inclusive growth, and the broader development agenda. He noted that SMEs form the majority of global businesses yet continue to face barriers such as limited finance, inadequate infrastructure, and fragmented regulations. Doe reaffirmed UNDP’s support for Ethiopia through programs focused on entrepreneurship development, financing solutions, digital skills, and targeted mentorship, particularly for women and youth.
The participants praised the validation session as a critical milestone in Ethiopia’s transition from political endorsement of the AfCFTA to its practical implementation. The study’s findings indicate strong policy alignment but also highlight notable functional gaps. Major gaps identified include digital readiness, standards compliance, customs systems, institutional coordination, and SME awareness.
The event also offered a platform for stakeholders to emphasize the need for coordinated action to ensure that SMEs are fully prepared to seize the opportunities offered by Africa’s emerging single market.
Ethiopia Participates in the 12th High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa
The Ethiopian Delegation, led by Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and UNECA, participated at the 12th High Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa (Oran Process) held in Algiers, Algeria, from December 1 to 2.
Keynote messages were delivered at the opening session by Ahmad Ataaf, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs of the Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Algeria; Tete Antonio, Foreign Minister of Angola and Chair of the AU Executive Council; Kacou Houadja Léon Adom, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire and Chair of the AU Peace and Security Council for the month of December; and Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission.
The high-level keynote addresses set the tone for the deliberations of the seminar by highlighting the importance of charting out Africa’s future in the face of a weakening multilateral regime, strengthening the capacity of the Union to balance between external sources of finance and domestic resource mobilization to address the needs of its peace and security objectives, and the importance of giving serious attention and devising a sound strategy to address the growing threats of violent extremism and terrorism as well as the trends in unconventional changes of government.
Ambassador Hirut, speaking on behalf of Foreign Minister Gedion Thimothewos, reiterated calls for navigating the course of the African common position in the changing global environment and emphasized the need to strengthen a stronger A3+ and AUPSC coordination to advance the continental peace and security agenda, including the effective way of resource mobilization for African-led peace support operations in times of dwindling funding from traditional sources. At the conclusion of the High-Level Seminar, she delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the AUPSC member countries.
The 12th annual edition of the Seminar featured deliberations on the Global Landscape of Peace and Security in Africa, counterterrorism and violent extremism, taking stock of A3+ activities: lessons learned and the way forward, and AUPSC and A3+: a stronger voice for UNSC reform.
In the session that deliberated on the Global Landscape of Peace and Security in Africa, the seminar highlighted the growing challenges posed by rising geopolitical polarization, declining external assistance, and the emergence of new security threats across the continent. In this regard, the seminar emphasized the need for a unified and collective African response, anchored in the principle of ‘African solutions to African problems,’ to effectively address the evolving peace and security challenges.
In discussions on Counter-Terrorism and Preventing Violent Extremism, the Seminar noted that terrorism and violent extremism remain the potent challenge to continental peace and stability. It also called for a comprehensive approach that integrates security measures with efforts that address factors that enable terrorism to thrive.
During the session reviewing the activities of the A3+, the Seminar stressed the responsibility of African members of the UN Security Council to champion a coherent African common voice and to consistently reflect the decisions of the AU Peace and Security Council within the UNSC.
Regarding the role of the AUPSC and the A3 in advancing reform of the UN Security Council, the Seminar reaffirmed the critical importance of speaking with one voice and advocating for the full realization of Africa’s Common Position, as articulated in the 2005 Sirte Declaration and the Ezulwini Consensus.
The High-Level Seminar dubbed as the “Oran Process” is a yearly consultative forum held in Algeria that brings together outgoing and incoming members of the A3+ and the AUPSC. This year’s seminar has adopted a manual that will guide this important coordination between the two bodies.
The High-level Seminar aims at reinforcing coordination between the A3 and AU-PSC with the view of promoting Africa’s collective interest and position within the decision-making process of the AU and the UN in matters of peace and security concerning Africa.
Ethiopia participated in this year’s seminar in its capacity as a member of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, reaffirming its commitment as one of the key AU Member States that is regularly invited as a partner to the High-Level Seminar, including during times when it is not a member of the Council. The Ethiopian delegation also took part in the International Forum on Colonialism held a day before the High-Level Seminar.
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