Ethiopia calls for climate justice and stronger early warning systems for Africa

Addis Ababa, October 23, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia has underscored the urgent need for increased investment in climate, weather, and hydrological services during the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Extraordinary Congress, held from October 20–23 in Geneva, Switzerland.

In an interactive dialogue with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on October 22, Mr. Fetene Teshome, Director-General of the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute and President of the WMO Regional Association for Africa, highlighted the rising frequency and intensity of climate and weather-related risks across Africa, warning that these pose serious threats to lives, livelihoods, and national development priorities.

Mr. Fetene stressed that National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) require not only scientific expertise and capacity but also predictable and sustainable financing to respond effectively to these challenges. He highlighted initiatives such as the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems, the Green Climate Fund, and the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) as critical tools in strengthening Africa’s resilience.

Pointing to Africa’s leadership in the EW4ALL Initiative, Mr. Fetene noted the continent’s Africa Action Plan 2023–2027 as a model for regional climate adaptation, while urging the global community to scale up financing mechanisms that are accessible, aligned with national priorities, and responsive to local realities.

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Fetene expressed gratitude to UN Secretary-General Guterres for championing climate justice and keeping Africa’s interests central in global climate finance, calling on the world to prioritize investments in weather, climate, and hydrological services as a foundation for sustainable development, Permanent Mission of Ethiopia in Geneva. told Fana Media Corporation

Ethiopia has served as President of the WMO African Regional Association since 2023, playing a leading role in promoting regional cooperation, advocating for climate-resilient development, and enhancing the continent’s capacity to generate and utilize critical weather and climate information.