Ethiopia, UNICEF Strengthen Collaboration on Climate Change
Addis Ababa: The Government of Ethiopia and UNICEF are joining forces to tackle the climate crisis’s impact on children.
A stakeholder consultation workshop titled “A collective action for climate programs and policies for children” was held in Addis Ababa today.
The workshop highlighted the vulnerability of Ethiopian children to climate change, particularly due to the country’s dependence on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, pastoralism and natural resources.
Minor shifts in geographical presence of malaria due to climate change for example could expose millions to infection, State Minister of Planning and Development; Seyoum Mekonen emphasized this opening the workshop.
He also highlighted Ethiopia’s leadership in climate action through strategies like the Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy (CRGE), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and Long term Low Emission and Climate Resilient Development Strategy (LT-LEDS).
The State Minister commended UNIC
EF for its partnership in developing the groundbreaking “Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC)’ in Ethiopia, the first such study in Ethiopia. This analysis will inform targeted initiatives to address children’s specific needs.
The workshop brought together government representatives, civil society organizations, academia, UN agencies and development partners.
Participants were encouraged to actively contribute and develop effective climate programs and policies using the policy recommendations of the study. The aim is to safeguard and empower Ethiopian children in the face of climate challenges.
UNICEF Deputy Representative in Ethiopia, Mariko Kagoshima, emphasized that climate change is a children’s rights crisis. She highlighted the devastating consequences, including increased school dropouts, child marriage, and exploitation, as families struggle with climate-induced shocks like droughts.
In a pivotal bilateral meeting, the State Minister and UNICEF representative participated in extensive s
trategic discussions with the aim of enhancing collaboration on climate actions that are responsive to children’s needs.
The discussions centered around joint efforts to mobilize resources, enhance institutional capacity, develop a climate data information management system, raise awareness and advocate for climate actions centered around children, formulate climate policies, and engage globally on climate issues.
Both parties underscored the critical importance of protecting children from the adverse effects of climate change. They also pledged to collaborate in readiness for the upcoming SB60 and COP29 climate conferences.
According to Minister of Planning and Development, this meeting is crucial for reaffirming the dedication of the Ethiopian government and UNICEF to promoting climate actions that prioritize children’s well-being.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency