Addis Ababa, October 20 (WIC) – Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn calls for African’s common position in the upcoming Doha Climate Change conference as it has been negotiating on the issues over the past years.
The premier made the call at the 2nd annual Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa here on Friday under the theme ‘Advancing Knowledge, Policy and Practice in Climate Change and Development’ at UN ECA Convention Center.
Hailemariam said Ethiopia is ready to share its green economy development experience to sister African countries.
Addressing the Conference Premier Hailemariam said Africa should advance its concerns on climate change with one voice in the upcoming Doha, Qatar Climate Change Conference.
He said Africa should seize the conference to advance the cause of the continent at international forums as the late PM Meles Zenawi had done so.
The fund for African green economy development is not closed and should get its compensation for the devastated effect of climate change it faces, he said.
He noted that Africa should negotiate on climate change based on substantiated scientific researches.
PM Hailemariam said the African Climate Change Policy Center established by the Economic Commission for Africa should capacitate negotiators, countries and institutions in policy and analytical researches. He said focus need to be given for adaptation and mitigation and the conference would facilitate for the upcoming conference in Doha.
The premier said Ethiopia would extend all the necessary support in campaigning for Africa in the conference. Ethiopia is willing to share its Climate- Resilient Green Economy and results kindled by the late PM Meles for sister African countries, he said and added, all rounded efforts is underway to attain the carbon free economy by the year 2025. As part of the efforts, he said government is running huge projects on renewable energy resources including water, wind and geothermal.
The premier said African nations should be politically committed and solicit social mobilization for the same cause.
UN-ECA Executive Secretary Carlos Lopes on his part said Africa is being affected in various ways including frequent and severe incidents of drought and floods.
He said member states and regional institution need to scale up investment in climate change data information and service, chart out clear policy and development that are climate resilient and low carbon intensity.
The executive secretary said Africa’s position in the climate change negotiations continues to be well prepared so as to obtain access to more finance, appropriate technology and capacity development needs.
The two-day conference would deliberate on research papers and is expected to adopt Africa’s common position on climate change for the upcoming Doha Conference. (ENA)