Addis Ababa is currently hosting the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Regional Dialogue, drawing over 400 participants to discuss "Advancing Regional Solutions for Climate Action" in Africa. Ethiopia's State Minister of Planning and Development, Seyoum Mekonen, stressed that climate ambition is central to the nation's development.

Seyoum formally launched the Dialogue. He stressed that Ethiopia’s climate ambitions are central to its national priorities, citing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which provides 5,150 MW of clean energy, and the 48 billion trees planted under the Green Legacy Initiative as concrete examples of the country's commitment. Mekonen also urged delegates to build on the results of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), specifically mentioning the launch of the African Climate Innovation Compact (ACIC) and the Africa Climate Facility (ACF), which position Africa as a source of homegrown climate solutions.

Catherine Koffman, GCF Director for Africa, reaffirmed the Fund's dedication to aligning its reforms with African priorities. Meanwhile, James Murombedzi of UNECA emphasized the critical need to shift the global climate finance model from "aid" to "investment."

Finally, Ethiopia made a formal proposal for Addis Ababa to host the planned GCF Africa Regional Office, leveraging the city's status as the diplomatic capital of the continent.