Addis Ababa and UN-Habitat Agree to Turn Urban Development Partnership, Identify Priority Projects into Action

Addis Ababa, November 10, 2026 (FMC) – Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie and UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach have discussed strengthening cooperation on urban transformation and sustainable development, with particular attention to translating their recently signed partnership agreement into concrete projects and measurable outcomes.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UN Climate Summit (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, where the two sides reviewed areas of cooperation in urban development and planning.

During the engagement, Rossbach congratulated Addis Ababa on its international recognition, including the Sustainable Urban Development Award received at World Cities Day in Shanghai and the Smart City recognition in Seoul. Mayor Adanech expressed appreciation for the recognition and UN-Habitat’s continued support.

The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and working together to successfully host the upcoming World Cities Day in Addis Ababa.

A key focus of the discussions was moving the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding into implementation. They explored establishing a joint implementation and monitoring framework and identifying priority projects to advance their cooperation.

As Addis Ababa prepares to host COP32, Mayor Adanech underscored the importance of UN-Habitat’s strategic and technical partnership in accelerating the city’s development agenda and securing sustainable outcomes.

She emphasized that the city’s objective is to translate partnerships into action and action into tangible, lasting benefits for its residents.

The meeting forms part of Ethiopia’s wider engagement at COP31, where Ethiopian officials are holding discussions with international institutions, development partners and climate negotiating groups on shared climate priorities, financing and cooperation. These engagements include consultations on climate finance and the priorities of African cities, as well as preparations for COP32, with Ethiopia emphasizing an inclusive and transparent process and close collaboration with key partners.