ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Experts and policymakers on Friday urged global support for Ethiopia's efforts in building a resilient and green economy as a sustainable solution to address the adverse effects of climate change.

This came during the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) annual development conference held in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, as experts, policymakers, and representatives of UN agencies and development partners discussed Ethiopia's efforts in building climate resilience and sustainable development.

Addressing the gathering, UNDP Resident Representative in Ethiopia Samuel Doe said Ethiopia, though a negligible contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, has emerged as "an unmatched leader" in the global response to the existential threat posed by climate change and a strong advocate for Africa's green journey.

"As we stand in critical danger in history, we are acutely aware of the unprecedented global challenges posed by climate change. These challenges demand urgent action, driven by global solidarity, and a shared vision for a sustainable future for all," he said.

Noting that Ethiopia is currently leading the way in the green energy transition with its vast green energy sources, he said this potential not only paves the way for job creation but also accelerates Ethiopia's goal of achieving universal access to green and affordable energy by 2030.

Doe, however, said that despite Ethiopia's notable strides, the country remains one of the most impacted by climate change. Between 2020 and 2023, 11 million Ethiopian people faced food insecurity and more than four million were internally displaced due to recurring droughts, floods, and conflicts, underscoring the urgent need for increased support and solidarity from the global community.

While commending Ethiopia's achievements on the global green journey, conference participants also highlighted the severe impacts of climate change on the country and called for increased support for its efforts, particularly in accessing climate finance and private sector investments.

Citing a recent World Bank report, Ethiopia's State Minister of Planning and Development Bereket Fesehatsion said the annual gross domestic product losses due to climate change in Ethiopia are expected to range between 1 and 1.5 percent, potentially rising to 5 percent by 2040, threatening the livelihoods of millions and undermining the country's development prospects.

He said the Ethiopian government is implementing long-standing and consistent efforts to build a climate-resilient and green economy. The country has integrated climate resilience and green economic growth into its 10-year development plan (2021-2030), ensuring that climate considerations are at the core of its development agenda.

Fesehatsion said Ethiopia is one of the few African countries to have developed a long-term low-emission and climate-resilient development strategy, aiming for a net-zero carbon emission and climate-resilient economy by 2050.

During the meeting, the UNDP also announced its commitment to helping Ethiopia mobilize 2 billion U.S. dollars in green financing by 2030, mainly through assisting the country in exploring green bonds, carbon credits, debt swaps, and payment for ecosystem services. Enditem

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