A Khartoum process thematic meeting on Climate change driven migration has begun in Addis Ababa today.
The Khartoum Process is a platform for political cooperation amongst the countries along the migration route between the Horn of Africa and Europe.
It aims at establishing a continuous dialogue for enhanced cooperation on migration and mobility.
Policy Makers and scholars are holding their meeting focusing on addressing strategies for human mobility in the context of climate change, according to the foreign affairs ministry.
In his opening remarks, Ethiopia’s state Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tesfaye Yilma regarded climate change as a “threat multiplier”, naming it the main driver of migration.
“In this regard, my country, Ethiopia, is taking concrete steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change on sustainable economic development,” Tesfaye said.
“We designed a Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy which aims at addressing challenges relating to climate change while pursuing sustainable economic growth.”
The state minister shared Ethiopia’s experience, such as the planting of over 25 billion tree seedlings under the Green Legacy initiative.
He also spoke about the push to develop renewable energy sources and identify priorities that can increase production and productivity of cereals through small and large-scale irrigation development.
South Sudan is the current chair of the Khartoum Process.
Deputy Speaker of South Sudan’s National Legislature, Mary Ayen Majok expressed the conviction within the Khartoum-Process to collectively aspire for a safe, orderly, and regular migration.
This guarantees the rights of migrants who deserve protection and asylum instead of the existing irregular migration with its devastating catastrophes, Majok said.
The meeting will be concluded after three days of workshops with panelists including national and international scholars and policymakers.
