High-level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Situation in Ethiopia

An older man bears a stick with bags at each end over his shoulder in Ethiopia.

Date:: 16 April 2024 3 — 6 p.m. (Europe/Zurich)

Location

Palais des Nations, Room XXIII, Geneva

#Event

The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United Nations are convening a High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Situation in Ethiopia.

#Background

Despite continuing investments by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to build the resilience of vulnerable communities and implement long-term development programmes in close cooperation with international partners, Ethiopia faces recurrent humanitarian challenges resulting from climate-related disasters, conflict and other challenges.

More than 21 million individuals require urgent assistance, including 4.5 million internally displaced people. The El Niño-induced drought has exacerbated humanitarian needs, particularly in the northern highlands, affecting millions of people and their livestock.

In response, the UN and humanitarian partners are collaborating with the Government to deliver life-saving assistance to 15.5 million people in Ethiopia, and food aid to 10.4 million. The 2024 joint response plan utilizes data-driven prioritization to target the most vulnerable communities, ensuring aid reaches those in greatest need. Efforts are underway to address long-term displacement by integrating humanitarian and development initiatives, seeking durable solutions.

However, the funding outlook is bleak, with an urgent need for US$1 billion to sustain the response over the next three months and secure aid pipelines beyond. More than 6 million people in affected areas are already receiving food and cash. Meeting the food needs of an additional 4 million people each month through September will require US$475 million. Additional funding is essential to bridge existing gaps and avert further escalation of the humanitarian emergency.

Despite its challenges, Ethiopia hosts more than 1 million refugees from neighbouring countries. The Government of Ethiopia has continued to provide services for refugees in partnership with development partners. More financial resources are needed to meet the growing demands of refugees.

#Programme

Segment 1

15:00 - 15:50 Opening Session

Moderated by Ms. Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General for Operations, International Organization for Migration

H.E. Mr. Taye Atske Selassie Amde, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell, Deputy Foreign Secretary and Minister for Development and Africa, Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator · Ms. Sophie Gebreyes, Ethiopian Humanitarian International NGO Group
Ms. Sophie Gebreyes, Ethiopian Humanitarian International NGO Group
Mr. Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, World Food Programme

Segment 2

15:50 - 17:40 Statements of Solidarity and Pledges

Segment 3

17:40 - 18:00 Final remarks and closing