GERD Source of Inspiration for Collective Pursuit of Riparian Countries to Sustainable Dev't: Prez Taye

Addis Ababa, February, 22, 2025 (ENA)—The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a source of inspiration for the collective pursuit of riparian countries towards sustainable development, President Taye Atske Selassie said.

 Speaking at the Nile Day 2025 regional celebration commemorated in Addis Ababa today, he noted that the “GERD demonstrates how innovation and the quest for development unite riparian countries in search of a prosperous and climate resilient future. It is a source of inspiration for our collective pursuit towards sustainable development.”

According to him, the dam is a transformative project that exemplifies to mitigate impacts of climate change as well as ensure consistent and reliable water supply for agricultural and domestic use across the basin.

“The GERD is a transformative project that amplifies our efforts not only to mitigate the impacts of floods and prolonged droughts but also ensure the consistent and reliable water supply for agricultural and domestic use across the basin. It is a cutting edge water management capabilities reducing flood damage of downstream countries while safeguarding water availability during dry periods.”

 

Furthermore, the president noted that GERD, with its vast hydropower capacity, generates clean and renewable energy that drives industrialization and distribution of power across the region, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and lowering the greenhouse gas emission.

For the president, River Nile is an embodiment of a shared aspiration and common objective of Nile Riparian countries of the region.

“For anyone who travels around the basin countries or lives at both ends of the river imparted wisdom that River Nile is an embodiment of shared aspiration and common objective,” he stated, adding that “this gathering will enable us to meet the aspiration of our people and deal with the mounting challenges we face to our collective endeavors.”

The president pointed out that it is the time for engaging in a constructive deliberation and strengthening Nile basin countries cooperation for climate resilience and shared prosperity, while addressing the many challenges posing an increasing threats to Nile Basin countries such as population growth, climate change, prolonged drought, rapid urbanization, devastating floods and competing interest for water resources demand for climate resilient hydraulic infrastructures.

Reaffirming Ethiopia's commitment to redoubling efforts in water resources management cooperation and inclusive decision making that genuinely reflects the interest of all riparian countries, President Taye also called upon member states of Nile Basin Initiative to remain resolute to their commitment to cooperation and work towards a permanent Nile River organization that will provide institutional framework for coordinating management, dispute resolution, and long term strategic planning for shared water resources.

 

The president finally urged development partners to continue their support in facilitating investments in climate resilient infrastructure, data sharing and capacity building programs as well as the academic and research institutions to provide evidence based solution to climate change and for equitable water resource share, making Nile River a truly intergenerational wealth.

“For anyone who travels around the basin countries or lives at both ends of the river imparted wisdom that River Nile is an embodiment of shared aspiration and common objective, he stated, adding that “this gathering will enable us to meet the aspiration of our people and deal with the mounting challenges we face to our collective endeavors.”

Ethiopia's Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa pointed out that the growing population within the Nile Basin, projected to exceed 1 billion by 2050, exacerbates the challenges posed by climate change, particularly in relation to water availability.

 

“No part of Nile basin is immune from the diverse effects of climate change. It is, therefore, essential that all the basin countries and international community need to take steps to build climate resilience and protect our shared natural resources,” he added.

Genuine cooperation enhanced by legal institution mechanisms is therefore needed to lead to better climate resilience and shared prosperity, the minister stated.

Noting that the majority of Nile Basin countries have committed to evaluating their level of cooperation by ratifying the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement, which is now in effect and has led to the establishment of the Nile Basin Commission, Habtamu urged the remaining member states to ratify the agreement to operationalize the commission and advance the cooperative agenda.

On her part, Nile Basin Initiative Executive Director, Florence Grace Adongo, encouraged member states to dedicate a day to national celebrations of Nile Day, aimed at raising awareness and sharing knowledge about the significance of Nile cooperation.

 

She also reaffirmed the commitment of Nile Basin countries to cooperate for shared development and peace in the region, stating that successful joint regional investments serve as a testament to the power of collaboration.

“NBI demonstrates that when member states work together barriers can be overcome and opportunities unlocked for economic growth. The successes that we have in the joint regional investments are testament to the power of cooperation.”