Ethiopia hosting COP32 a ‘win for the Horn of Africa’, IGAD says
Dr Workneh recognised the announcement as a significant continental achievement and a clear indicator of Ethiopia’s growing and influential role in shaping global climate and development priorities
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has congratulated Ethiopia on its selection as the host for the 32nd Conference of the Parties (COP32) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
IGAD Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, hailed the achievement as a major win that will elevate the Horn of Africa’s severe climate challenges and homegrown resilience initiatives onto the global stage.
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In a statement, Dr Workneh recognised the announcement as a significant continental achievement and a clear indicator of Ethiopia’s growing and influential role in shaping global climate and development priorities, noting that the successful bid reflects a deep national commitment to environmental restoration, resilience, and sustainable growth.
He stressed that hosting COP32 gives the IGAD region an opportunity to bring attention to the realities faced by communities in the Horn of Africa, particularly the recurring droughts, climate-induced displacement, and increasing pressures on food and water systems.
"This conference offers a vital platform for our region to advance solutions that are rooted in experience, innovation, and collective responsibility," he said.
Dr Workneh highlighted Ethiopia’s flagship initiatives, emphasising their demonstration of the country’s long-term vision to build a greener, more prosperous future.
He specifically cited the Green Legacy Initiative, which has mobilised millions of citizens towards reforestation and ecosystem restoration, and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which he noted is a transformative project designed to expand clean energy access and support climate-resilient development across the region.
The organisation affirmed its readiness to work closely with the Government of Ethiopia, the African Union, the UNFCCC Secretariat, and international partners to ensure that COP32 is an inclusive, impactful conference driven primarily by African priorities.
Dr Workneh underlined the organisation’s commitment to supporting a conference that strengthens climate finance access, deepens regional cooperation, and accelerates resilience-building efforts across the entire continent.
"IGAD stands with Ethiopia in delivering a COP32 that showcases Africa's ambition, elevates regional priorities, and strengthens global solidarity in confronting the climate crisis," he said.
In a separate statement, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali acknowledged the unanimous support that secured the bid, thanking the African Group of Negotiators for their endorsement at the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30) in Belém, Brazil.
He noted that "Africa has spoken with one voice... and the world has listened."
The Prime Minister stressed the honour of the selection, calling it a reflection of confidence in Ethiopia's leadership in climate action and its capacity to host major global events.
"We are grateful for the opportunity that the Conference of the Parties is giving us to spearhead the collective effort to tackle one of the most daunting challenges faced by humanity. We are honoured to be entrusted by the global community with such an important responsibility," said Abiy.
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