Ethiopia is a country with an admirable and ambitious green agenda: COP26 President

Addis Ababa, February 2, 2021 (FBC) – Speaking at the end of his visit, COP26 President, Alok Sharma, said: ”I have been impressed by the ambition and determination I have seen on this visit, particularly from inspiring young people in Ethiopia.”

Ethiopia is one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world but it is also a country with an admirable and ambitious green agenda.

In his first overseas visit since becoming full-time COP26 President, Mr Sharma met leaders from government and civil society, stressing the need for urgent climate action ahead of the important UN climate change summit the UK is hosting in November 2021, COP26.

The president said his visit to Addis Ababa reaffirmed the UK-Ethiopia climate partnership signed by the UK Foreign Secretary, during his recent visit, which is aimed to step-up cooperation ahead of COP26.

Following his high level talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, and other senior government officials, Alok Sharma also launched Ethiopia’s “Enfluencers”  Ethiopia, Environment, Earth, Education and Entertainment) Network.

The network is formed by a group of young environmental activists and influencers who are working to raise awareness and build support for climate action.

He added that he will continue to work closely with my friends in Ethiopia and Gabon, and hope that both countries will continue to show leadership on climate action, which has such a vital role to play in the COP26 process.

British Ambassador to Ethiopia, Alastair McPhail, said: “I’m glad that COP26 President Alok Sharma has recognized Ethiopia’s importance in the fight against climate change, in choosing it as the site of his first overseas visit in the role full-time.”

Alok Sharma visited Ethiopia and Gabon in first foreign visit since his full time appointment as COP26 president.

The COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma, has visited Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Libreville, Gabon, to discuss how the UK can work with the countries to address climate change challenges.