Doe, however, noted 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 4 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, Ethiopian 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.