Addis Ababa Hosts Africa Risk Capacity COP16,, Ethiopia Elected as Vice-Chair of the Bureau
Ethiopia hosted the Sixteenth Session of the Conference of Parties (COP16) of the Africa Risk Capacity from 8-9 April 2026 in Addis Ababa. Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Temesgen Tiruneh, addressed the opening session of the Conference.
During the occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of building resilience against disasters resulting from climate change, through continental initiatives such as the Africa Risk Capacity. He also reflected on Ethiopia’s proactive initiatives including humanitarian relief sovereignty through the establishment of Disaster Risk Response Fund, Green Legacy, renewable energy and food sovereignty among other initiatives.
Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, for her part pointed out the multiple challenges Africa is facing as a result of climate change, underscoring the need to strengthen continental institutions such as the African Risk Capacity. The Deputy Chairperson also congratulated Ethiopia for being confirmed as the host of COP32, reiterating the continued support of the Commission for the success of the conference.
Commissioner of the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, Ambassador Shiferaw Teklemariam, emphasized the importance of strengthening Africa’s ownership of risk financing mechanisms and ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of ARC.
The Conference concluded by endorsing a range of recommendations arising from its technical and thematic sessions aimed at strengthening programme delivery, enhancing risk modelling and response mechanisms.
In line with the principles of regional representation and institutional continuity, the Conference elected the Republic of Guinea as Chair and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia as Vice-Chair of the Bureau of the Conference of Parties.
Ethiopia’s election to the Bureau reflects its growing engagement in continental risk governance and its commitment to advancing African-led solutions to climate change and resilience against disasters as to Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia reported it.
Source፡AMN Plus
