ANTALYA, Türkiye, Nov. 11, 2026
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to climate action, highlighting its large-scale tree-planting initiative and outlining priorities for the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32), which Ethiopia is set to host in Addis Ababa in November 2027.
Speaking at the COP31 Antalya Leaders’ Summit on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Abiy stressed the economic importance of addressing climate change, warning that spending on climate-related damage reduces resources available for essential public services.
“Climate action is economic policy,” Abiy said. “The more we spend coping with climate damage, the less we have to invest in schools, health care and opportunity for our young people.”
His remarks came as world leaders and climate negotiators gathered in Antalya, Türkiye, for COP31, which runs from Nov. 9-20, 2026.
Ethiopia outlines priorities for COP32
As Ethiopia prepares to host COP32, Abiy pledged to prioritize early climate action and work closely with the COP31 presidency.
“Ethiopia will host COP32. We will put early action at the centre,” he said, adding that Ethiopia would work with the COP31 presidency to support a successful outcome in Antalya.
He also invited international delegates to attend next year’s conference in Addis Ababa, describing Ethiopia as the “Land of Origins.”
The prime minister highlighted the importance of timely support for farmers facing changing climatic conditions.
“Dear friends, our farmers once trusted the seasons to arrive on time. Let us make sure our support does,” he said.
Ethiopia highlights planting of more than 56 billion seedlings
Abiy also highlighted Ethiopia’s nationwide tree-planting efforts, citing progress in restoring degraded land and expanding forest cover.
According to the prime minister, Ethiopians have planted more than 56 billion seedlings through collective efforts.
“Every year, millions of Ethiopians join in planting trees together. We have planted over 56 billion seedlings, restoring degraded land and expanding our forests,” he said.
“The initiative has created jobs and improved livelihoods.”
Ethiopia’s large-scale reforestation efforts are part of its Green Legacy Initiative, which promotes environmental restoration and public participation in tree planting.
Abiy said the initiative has also encouraged Ethiopian families to participate in environmental conservation.
“Planting is now a family habit. It is teaching us to honor the land we inherit, to live in harmony with nature and to care for what we leave to our children,” he said.
Abiy linked climate action to economic development and the well-being of future generations, emphasizing the need to address climate-related damage while protecting resources for public services.
He also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to prioritizing early climate action when it hosts COP32 in Addis Ababa in November 2027.
