IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu has called for a more coordinated and decisive approach to addressing food insecurity and climate-related challenges across the region, warning that fragmented efforts risk undermining progress.
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Bank Spring Meetings, Gebeyehu noted that while food insecurity remains a pressing concern, the region is also lagging behind in ensuring food safety, strengthening food systems, and building climate resilience.
“Our region continues to face food insecurity, but that is not the only challenge before us. We are also still behind in the fight for food safety, food security, and climate resilience,” he said.
During the meeting, Gebeyehu held discussions with the Head of the Adaptation Fund, Mikko Ollikainen, and the Chief Executive Officer of Action Against Hunger, Dr. Charles Owubah, where they explored opportunities to strengthen partnerships aimed at enhancing resilience across member states.
He emphasized the need for unified action, urging stakeholders to move away from isolated interventions and instead adopt a more integrated, region-wide strategy.
“This is no time for fragmented efforts. Our response must be bold, coordinated, and focused on one goal: reducing fragility and strengthening resilience for the people of our region,” Gebeyehu stated.
The talks come at a critical time when countries in the Horn of Africa continue to grapple with the impacts of prolonged drought, climate shocks, and rising food insecurity, affecting millions of people.
Development partners and regional institutions have increasingly been called upon to align their interventions, scale up investments in climate adaptation, and support sustainable food systems that can withstand future shocks.
Gebeyehu’s remarks signal a renewed push by IGAD to mobilize partnerships and resources toward a more resilient and food-secure region, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and long-term solutions.