By: Goshu Melisew 

Ethiopia's President Taye Atskeselassie made an urgent plea to world leaders today, stating that Africa must not be forced into an "impossible choice between development and climate action." Speaking at the UN Climate Week in Addis Ababa, the president called for bold, transformative climate action and a fundamental reform of global financial systems to ensure a more equitable distribution of funds.

President Taye emphasized that despite contributing very little to global emissions, Africa bears the brunt of the climate crisis. He underscored the continent's need for fair and predictable climate finance to both adapt to climate change and continue its economic growth.

The president highlighted Ethiopia's significant efforts in climate mitigation, including its Green Legacy Initiative, a massive tree-planting program. He also cited the country’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is set to generate over 5,000 megawatts of renewable energy, helping to alleviate energy poverty across East Africa.

However, President Taye cautioned that progress is being obstructed by “unsustainable debt and an outdated global financial architecture.” He urged world leaders to support the mobilization of $1.3 trillion annually by 2030 and to remove the bureaucratic barriers that currently prevent developing nations from accessing crucial climate funds.

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa reiterated the need for results-driven action, stating that the climate emergency is a present reality "shaping lives and livelihoods." UN Deputy Executive Secretary Noura Hamladji praised Ethiopia for its leadership in hosting the event, calling the nation a historical symbol of African independence and a hub for regional diplomacy.