Day: June 28, 2024

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House Reaffirms Continued Support to National Dialogue Commission


Addis Ababa: The House of People’s Representatives (HPR) has reaffirmed continued support to the activities of the National Dialogue Commission.

The House has discussed the performance of the commission and future focus areas today.

House Speaker Tagesse Chaffo, Justice Minister Gedion Timothewos, Government Chief Whip Tesfaye Beljige, National Dialogue Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya and members of the HPR attended the discussion.

On the occasion, the chief commissioner explained about the performance carried out by the commission.

According to him, the agenda setting consultative chapter held in Addis Ababa was successful and would serve as a strong foundation to the next activities of the commission.

Professor Mesfin further stated that a lot of work has been done to make the consultation inclusive.

He said the commission would further consolidate its inclusive approach and added that it should be supported as much as possible.

In particular, he asked the House members to provide the neces
sary assistance for increased participation of women.

The chief commissioner underscored that the commission has been fulfilling its responsibilities independently and pointed out that the door of the commission is open to any person.

Government Chief Whip Tesfaye Beljige stressed the need to recognize the achievements of the commission.

Highlighting the need to provide support for the commission, he pointed out the key measures taken by the government to create an enabling environment to expand the democratic environment in the country.

According to him, this effort is bearing fruit.

HPR Speaker Tagesse Chaffo said the House will continue providing support for the successful conduct of the dialogue.

The agenda setting consultative chapter in Addis Ababa held four weeks ago will be conducted in all the 12 regions and the Dire Dawa City Administration as well as at federal and diaspora levels, it was learned.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Ethiopia, Italy Need to Work Together to Enhance Bilateral Relations: Italian Senate Craxi


Addis Ababa: Italy Senate Foreign Affairs and Defense Commission President, Senator Stefania Craxi, has emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Italy today.

Italian parliamentary delegation led by Senator Craxi held discussion with members of the Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR).

Ethiopia and Italy need to strengthen collaboration in order to foster deeper bilateral friendship and effectively address a wide array of global challenges that impact both nations and the international community, she said.

According to the president, the problems facing the two countries — climate change, migration, and poverty reduction, are similar, adding that addressing these issues requires political commitment from both sides.

“Our presence today demonstrates our commitment to working together with Ethiopia in various areas of common interest,” she stated.

Senator Craxi pointed out that Ethiopia’s status as a fa
st-growing economy has attracted Italy’s attention.

By attracting more Italian companies, Ethiopia can achieve better economic development and create a better environment for all.

“Given that Sub-Saharan Africa has become a challenging region, we believe Ethiopia plays a crucial role in ensuring peace and stability in East Africa.”

HPR Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee Chairperson, Dima Nego, said Ethiopia shares a common stance with Italy on issues such as migration, climate change, and other global concerns that require cooperation among all countries in the world.

Ethiopia highly values its relationship with Italy, considering Italy as its closest friend, he stated, appreciating Italy for understanding Ethiopia during difficult times and for extending support to various programs.

The chairman further noted that Italian companies have been active in Ethiopia, contributing to the country’s development.

Notably, Salini Impregilo has been engaged in developing the energy sector in Et
hiopia over the past decade, he stated.

Dima also explained to the delegation about the efforts the Ethiopian government is undertaking to ensure peace and stability across the country.

Finally, the Italian parliamentary delegation invited the standing committee to visit Italy and engage in similar discussions on various issues of common interest.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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PM Abiy, DPM Temesgen Meet Former African Footballers , Famous Artists


Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh met tonight with former African footballers and famous artists from the continent, influencers, and renowned designers who arrived in Ethiopia to participate in the Shenen Africa Festival.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, Ambassador Nasise Chali and Minister of Culture and Sport Kajela Merdassa inaugurated ‘Shenen Africa Festival’ at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa earlier today in the presence of several dignitaries.

The prime minister and deputy prime minister met with former African footballers known for playing in the English Premier League and various European clubs, according to Office of the Prime Minister.

Ethiopian coffee varieties, a fashion show, and other activities are scheduled for the festival, which will take place in the coming three days.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Ethiopia Expands Carbon Trading and Sequestration Efforts


Addis Ababa: Ethiopia is expanding its efforts in carbon trading and sequestration through sustainable forestry practices, according to Yetebtu Moges, the Red+ Program Coordinator for the Ethiopian Forestry Development.

“We are leveraging our vast forest resources to play a growing role in the global carbon trading and sequestration markets,” Yetebtu said.

Through innovative forestry management programs, the country is positioning itself as a key player in the fight against climate change. “While still in the early stages, Ethiopia’s initiatives show promising results and the potential to generate significant economic benefits,” Yetebtu explained.

The country boasts 19.2 million hectares of forested area, of which 18 million hectares are natural forests – a valuable resource for carbon sequestration.

Yetebtu highlighted the government’s Green Legacy Initiative, which has seen the planting of billions of tree seedlings across the country in the past 5 years. “These trees when they mature enough will soon b
egin sequestering billions of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere,” he said.

Ethiopia has also launched over 1 million hectares of participatory forest management, empowering local communities. “We have launched over 1 million hectares of participatory forest management, empowering local communities to be active stewards of their natural resources,” Yetebtu explained. This approach aims to promote sustainable forestry practices and ensure economic benefits are shared with communities.

Additionally, Ethiopia has established a national forest monitoring system and facilitated a 12 million Euro carbon trade in Bale, Oromia region, with the proceeds distributed among 65 cooperatives engaged in forest development.

Yetebtu acknowledged the forestry’s current annual revenue of 40 billion Birr, but believes there is significant potential for growth through carbon trading and sequestration, potentially increasing tenfold.

A recent 40 million USD agreement with the World Bank aims to reduce carbon emissions in Oromia’s
forested landscapes, with 75 percent of the proceeds going directly to local communities, according to Yetebtu.

While Ethiopia’s forestry-based carbon initiatives are still in the early stages, the country’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices and a desire to capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by the global shift towards carbon neutrality.

Africa as a continent has historically contributed very little to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it is one of the region most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

According to data from the World Resources Institute, Africa accounted for only around 3.8 percent of global CO2 emissions in 2019, compared to over 60 percent from the so called developed countries.

This disproportionate impact highlights the injustice faced by African nations, who are paying the price for the carbon-intensive development pathways pursued by more industrialized parts of the world.

In the face of this challenge, Ethiopia has emerged as a reg
ional leader in efforts to combat climate change through sustainable forestry practices.

The country’s landmark Green Legacy Initiative, launched in 2019, has set an ambitious goal to plant 50 billion tree seedlings by 2026. In just the past 5 years, this program has already succeeded in planting over 32.5 billion tree seedlings across the country.

These trees are now beginning to mature and will soon start sequestering billions of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere, making a significant contribution to global climate change mitigation efforts.

The country’s holistic approach, which emphasizes community-based participation and equitable benefit-sharing, offers valuable lessons for other African nations seeking to harness the power of their natural assets to address the climate crisis.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Ethiopia Expands Carbon Trading and Sequestration Efforts


Addis Ababa: Ethiopia is expanding its efforts in carbon trading and sequestration through sustainable forestry practices, according to Yetebtu Moges, the Red+ Program Coordinator for the Ethiopian Forestry Development.

“We are leveraging our vast forest resources to play a growing role in the global carbon trading and sequestration markets,” Yetebtu said.

Through innovative forestry management programs, the country is positioning itself as a key player in the fight against climate change. “While still in the early stages, Ethiopia’s initiatives show promising results and the potential to generate significant economic benefits,” Yetebtu explained.

The country boasts 19.2 million hectares of forested area, of which 18 million hectares are natural forests – a valuable resource for carbon sequestration.

Yetebtu highlighted the government’s Green Legacy Initiative, which has seen the planting of billions of tree seedlings across the country in the past 5 years. “These trees when they mature enough will soon b
egin sequestering billions of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere,” he said.

Ethiopia has also launched over 1 million hectares of participatory forest management, empowering local communities. “We have launched over 1 million hectares of participatory forest management, empowering local communities to be active stewards of their natural resources,” Yetebtu explained. This approach aims to promote sustainable forestry practices and ensure economic benefits are shared with communities.

Additionally, Ethiopia has established a national forest monitoring system and facilitated a 12 million Euro carbon trade in Bale, Oromia region, with the proceeds distributed among 65 cooperatives engaged in forest development.

Yetebtu acknowledged the forestry’s current annual revenue of 40 billion Birr, but believes there is significant potential for growth through carbon trading and sequestration, potentially increasing tenfold.

A recent 40 million USD agreement with the World Bank aims to reduce carbon emissions in Oromia’s
forested landscapes, with 75 percent of the proceeds going directly to local communities, according to Yetebtu.

While Ethiopia’s forestry-based carbon initiatives are still in the early stages, the country’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices and a desire to capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by the global shift towards carbon neutrality.

Africa as a continent has historically contributed very little to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it is one of the region most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

According to data from the World Resources Institute, Africa accounted for only around 3.8 percent of global CO2 emissions in 2019, compared to over 60 percent from the so called developed countries.

This disproportionate impact highlights the injustice faced by African nations, who are paying the price for the carbon-intensive development pathways pursued by more industrialized parts of the world.

In the face of this challenge, Ethiopia has emerged as a reg
ional leader in efforts to combat climate change through sustainable forestry practices.

The country’s landmark Green Legacy Initiative, launched in 2019, has set an ambitious goal to plant 50 billion tree seedlings by 2026. In just the past 5 years, this program has already succeeded in planting over 32.5 billion tree seedlings across the country.

These trees are now beginning to mature and will soon start sequestering billions of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere, making a significant contribution to global climate change mitigation efforts.

The country’s holistic approach, which emphasizes community-based participation and equitable benefit-sharing, offers valuable lessons for other African nations seeking to harness the power of their natural assets to address the climate crisis.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Arts, Sports Instrumental to Enhance Interaction Among Africans


Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, Ambassador Nasise Chali said arts, sports and fashion are important instruments to enhance interaction and cooperation among the people of Africa.

Ambassador Nasise along with Minister of Culture and Sport Kajela Merdassa inaugurated ‘Shenen Africa Festival’ at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa today in the presence of several dignitaries.

Former Nigerian national football team striker Nwankwo Kanu and other African former football players as well as celebrated actors, social media influencers, designers, models, technology experts, businesspeople, diplomats and other professionals from Africa are participating at the festival.

Opening the festival, Tourism Minister Nasise extended a warm welcome to the internationally celebrated personalities in arts, sports and fashion industry, underscored the significance of sports and art to enhance interaction among the people of Africa.

Tourism, sports and fashion events play indispensable role in fostering
cooperation among Africans, she said.

The Minister indicated that ‘Shenen Africa Festival’ is organized to commemorate the resistance struggle demonstrated by African forefathers against colonialism.

Minister of Culture and Sport Kajela Merdassa said for his part that the festival aims at creating opportunity to promote tourism attractions in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian coffee varieties, a fashion show, and other activities are scheduled at the festival, which will take place until the next Sunday.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Posted on

Arts, Sports Instrumental to Enhance Interaction Among Africans


Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, Ambassador Nasise Chali said arts, sports and fashion are important instruments to enhance interaction and cooperation among the people of Africa.

Ambassador Nasise along with Minister of Culture and Sport Kajela Merdassa inaugurated ‘Shenen Africa Festival’ at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa today in the presence of several dignitaries.

Former Nigerian national football team striker Nwankwo Kanu and other African former football players as well as celebrated actors, social media influencers, designers, models, technology experts, businesspeople, diplomats and other professionals from Africa are participating at the festival.

Opening the festival, Tourism Minister Nasise extended a warm welcome to the internationally celebrated personalities in arts, sports and fashion industry, underscored the significance of sports and art to enhance interaction among the people of Africa.

Tourism, sports and fashion events play indispensable role in fostering
cooperation among Africans, she said.

The Minister indicated that ‘Shenen Africa Festival’ is organized to commemorate the resistance struggle demonstrated by African forefathers against colonialism.

Minister of Culture and Sport Kajela Merdassa said for his part that the festival aims at creating opportunity to promote tourism attractions in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian coffee varieties, a fashion show, and other activities are scheduled at the festival, which will take place until the next Sunday.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency