IGAD Showcases Innovation and Solidarity in Climate Response
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has announced its active participation in the second edition of the Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Through its dedicated Pavilion, IGAD will highlight the region’s achievements, innovations, and commitments in tackling climate change while promoting sustainable development across the Greater Horn of Africa.
The IGAD Pavilion will serve as a hub for dialogue and knowledge exchange. It will host a wide range of side events featuring contributions from IGAD member states, regional partners, and international organizations. Discussions will focus on critical themes such as climate services, early warning systems, food security, water management, health, migration, and conflict prevention—all of which are central to building resilience in a region highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
“These conversations are not just about the challenges we face, but about the solutions we can scale together,” said Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary. “The Horn of Africa has been on the frontline of climate shocks, but it is also on the frontline of innovation and resilience.”
The Pavilion is expected to attract high-level participation, including government ministers, United Nations agencies, humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and other development partners. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, IGAD hopes to strengthen partnerships and foster practical, scalable solutions that can improve lives across the region.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Soipan Tuya, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation: “No single country can confront the climate crisis alone. Our collective action as a region is essential to protect livelihoods, restore ecosystems, and ensure a sustainable future.”
Beyond the Pavilion, IGAD will also contribute actively to the Summit’s high-level discussions and partnership-building initiatives. The organization’s engagement underscores its commitment to ensuring that the voices of its member states—Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda—are amplified on the global stage.
“Climate change is both a humanitarian and a development challenge,” noted an IGAD climate advisor. “Our participation at ACS2 is about shaping a united voice for the Greater Horn of Africa and making sure our priorities are heard internationally.”
Through its involvement, IGAD reaffirms its role as a regional leader in promoting climate resilience, adaptation, green jobs, and sustainable development. The Pavilion and related activities reflect the organization’s vision of a climate-resilient Horn of Africa where communities are empowered, livelihoods are protected, and development pathways are environmentally sustainable.
As the global community gathers in Addis Ababa for ACS2, IGAD’s message is clear: addressing climate change in Africa requires regional solidarity, strong partnerships, and innovative solutions tailored to local contexts. The Summit provides a timely opportunity to accelerate action, mobilize resources, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come in the IGAD region and beyond.
By:Florence Uwamaliya
