The announcement was the result of a dialogue between IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu and IOM Chief of Staff Mohammed Abdiker, within the framework of the Islamic Development Bank 2026 meetings being held from June 16 to 19 in this capital.

Gebeyehu revealed on his social media account that, together with Abdiker, they will identify alternative financing models for regional programs aimed at the development of marginalized communities.

“I look forward to our continued collaboration to build lasting solutions for the region,” he emphasized. He recalled that the Horn of Africa is one of the regions most affected by climate change in the world, a well-known and widely documented fact.

“As IGAD, with the support of our member states and partners, we have invested in climate early warning services, management programs, and adaptation to reduce the impact of climate disasters in the region,” he emphasized.

However, he acknowledged, the stark reality is that climate finance in the Horn of Africa remains at historic lows.

Gebeyehu is leading the African organization’s delegation participating in the Islamic Development Bank 2026 meetings, with an agenda that includes meetings with officials from the financial institution, development partners, representatives of member states, and senior Azerbaijani government officials to seek support for regional initiatives.

These initiatives are aimed at reducing fragility and strengthening the resilience of communities in the Horn of Africa that face emerging threats due to the decline in global support for multilateralism and regional programs.

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