Brief Intervention by Minister Osman Saleh at High-Level Event on “Strengthening SMEs for a Climate-Resilient Tomorrow”

Thursday 26 September 2024 | High-level side event by Permanent Mission of Italy, Generali

and UNDP “Sustainability Champions: Strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises for a

Climate-Resilient Tomorrow” as side event to the UNGA High Level Week and the Climate

Week

Brief intervention by H.E. Mr. Osman Saleh Mohammed, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Eritrea.

I would like to thank the Government of Italy, UNDP and the private sector for organizing this important event and take this opportunity to share some brief remarks.

When we talk about the climate crisis, we need to stress that Africa accounts for the smallest share of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet the consequences are felt the most on the continent. It is imperative that climate change requires global solutions and local actions.

Eritrea, within its means and resources, has been mobilizing grassroots communities, women, students, the army, civil society organizations and religious leaders to actively work on environmental restoration, such as soil and water conservation, afforestation, smart agriculture and proper utilization of natural resources. Due to Eritrea’s disproportionate vulnerability to the effects of climate change, its national strategy centers on adaptation and resilience.

The government acknowledges the important role the private sector could play, in particular Small Medium Enterprises. They should have access and support in fulfilling their objectives. For this reason, Eritrea has developed various macro and micro policies as well as guidelines that have an important contribution to their adaptation and mitigation of climate change. Our adaptation actions are mainly focused on the agricultural sector, as it is one of our most vulnerable areas to climate change. 70% of the population lives in the rural areas and depends on agriculture for its livelihood. Examples of adaptation actions include, introducing new farming technologies, both indigenous and modern technology. It is in this regard Eritrea has introduced climate smart agriculture. To conclude, we stress the importance of making Small Medium Enterprises more resilience and less dependent

Once again, I would like to thank Italy and UNDP for organizing this event amidst our busy schedules. It is a reminder for all of us to work together in addressing the climate crisis not tomorrow but today.