DPM Demeke: GERD demonstrates Ethiopia’s commitment to build Green Economy 

Addis Ababa, September 21, 2022 (FBC) – Demeke Mekonen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Program, today in New York to discuss Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and the advancement of renewable energy in the country. 

Demeke mentioned during the conversation that Ethiopia is making efforts to mitigate climate change and gives building green economy special attention. In this regard, Demeke emphasized the advantages of the Green Legacy Initiative for both Ethiopia and its neighbors.

The efforts being made to ensure Ethiopia’s economic and social development through the development of its potential renewable energy resources was brought up during the discussion. 

Demeke cited the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as an example of a renewable energy development project, noting that other riparian nations besides Ethiopia will benefit from the project. Demeke reiterated that Ethiopia is always open to dialogue and underscored that outstanding issues regarding the filling and construction of the dam can only be settled through dialogue.

The executive director of the United Nations Environment Program, praised Ethiopia for its commendable efforts to realize green economy. The UN will support Ethiopia’s efforts to encourage the development of renewable energy sources. She also said that negotiations should settle the Renaissance Dam dispute. 

Demeke Mekonnen also had a discussion with Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister thanked the UN for helping refugees and urged the Commissioner to increase aid for internally displaced people (IDPs) who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and drought.The organization will continue to collaborate closely with the Ethiopian government, the High Commissioner reaffirmed.