AMN Plus-February 14/2026
The 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit has officially commenced today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the headquarters of the African Union.
Addressing the high-level gathering, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, stressed that climate action must be firmly anchored in justice and equity.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister underscored Ethiopia’s belief that development must be inclusive. He noted that both urban and rural areas across the country are undergoing transformation designed to be green, human-centered, and resilient.
Abiy highlighted the ongoing corridor development projects in the capital, Addis Ababa, stating that riverside renewal initiatives have turned once-degraded waterways into clean and vibrant public spaces. These efforts, he said, have reduced flood risks, restored dignity, and strengthened community life.
In rural areas, modernization programs are enhancing livelihoods and connecting communities to markets.
According to the Prime Minister, this integrated approach links development with climate stewardship.
He cited Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a key expression of this commitment, revealing that more than 48 billion trees have been planted since the program’s launch in 2019. The initiative, he emphasized, is restoring ecosystems and building a lasting legacy for future generations. However, Prime Minister Abiy cautioned that the global development pathway has come at an immense environmental cost.
The Prime Minister therefore called for climate action to be grounded in justice and equity, aligning finance, technology, and partnerships to enable Africa to thrive.
In this spirit, Abiy recalled that Ethiopia hosted the second Africa Climate Summit and announced that the country is preparing to host COP32, ensuring that Africa speaks with one voice and presents solutions to the world.
By Leta Teresa
