The UN has reiterated its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Ethiopia to address food security and foster development. Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, revealed that over the past three years, the UN has provided more than $560 million in financing for Ethiopia's food and agriculture sectors, alongside $2 billion in private sector investments. Significant progress has been made in areas such as egg production, while the UN continues to deliver food assistance to 8 million people and nutrition services to 700,000 children annually.
In an exclusive interview with EBC World, Dr. Alakbarov emphasized that despite challenges like security risks and funding gaps, Ethiopia has advanced in agricultural productivity with UN support. He announced a new five-year partnership plan focusing on food systems, digital transformation, job creation, and environmental resilience. This initiative seeks to transition from reliance on food aid to sustainable solutions, such as providing seeds and tools, while addressing the impact of climate change.
The UN is committed to fostering innovative partnerships with the private sector to create scalable models, drive development, and enhance climate resilience. Dr. Alakbarov noted that Ethiopia is one of the countries most affected by climate change, making the UN's collaboration crucial for long-term sustainability. He highlighted that this strategy aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to integrate humanitarian aid with long-term development to reduce dependence on food aid and build resilience.