HoAREC&N-AAU Launches 18-Month EU-Funded Regional Initiative to Address Climate-induced mobility in Eastern Africa

The Horn of Africa Regional Environment Centre and Network (HoA-REC&N-AAU) at Addis Ababa University officially launched the MECMEA project on May 29, 2025, at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa. Funded by the EU and contracted by ICMPD, MECMEA aims to address climate change, environmental degradation, and conflict-driven migration through evidence-based policy dialogue and collaborative action across Eastern Africa.

Led by HoA-REC&N, the initiative is implemented in partnership with Mixed Migration Centre (MMC), Association Djibouti Nature (AND), South Sudan Nature Conservation Organization (SSNCO), and PanAfricare Kenya. The project focuses on regional cooperation, capacity-building, and multi-stakeholder engagement to reduce climate-related displacement and mobility.

The MECMEA Launching Meeting brought together over 80 participants, including representatives from EU, ICMPD, IGAD, AU, UN agencies, research institutions, civil society organizations, and governments.

            Day 1. MECMEA Project Launching Meeting- Team Photo, May 29^th, 2025

Opening the event, Prof. Mekuria Argaw, Executive Director of AAU-HoAREC&N, welcomed participants, highlighting that the presence of key stakeholders—including development partners, representatives from the EU, AU, IGAD, ICMPD, and embassies—demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing the complex challenges of environmental change and conflict-induced mobility in Eastern Africa. He emphasized the Centre’s longstanding legacy in environmental governance and resilience-building, noting that the MECMEA initiative builds upon this foundation by integrating research, policy, and collaboration to develop effective and sustainable solutions for the region.

            Prof. Mekuria Argaw, AAU-HoA-REC&N Executive Director.

Prof. George Owiti, President of HoA-REN, highlighted the network’s commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable development, and regional collaboration, emphasizing the MECMEA project’s role in addressing the intersection of environmental change, conflict, and migration in Eastern Africa.

              Prof. George Owiti, President of Horn of Africa Regional Environment Network (HoA-REN),

Following remarks from Prof. George Owiti, President of HoA-REN, Dr. Jeilu Oumer, Vice President of AAU, stated, “This initiative marks a significant step in addressing the interconnected crisis of environmental change, conflict, and human mobility.”

          Dr. Jeilu Oumer, Vice President of AAU,

On her part, Her Excellency Mrs. Teyiba Hassen, the Director General of Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) of Ethiopia, noted that “this initiative reflects a shared commitment to tackling one of the most complex and pressing challenges of our time the intersection of environmental change conflict and human mobility these interlinked factors are shaping the future of our region in profound ways and they demand our urgent and united response.”

        Guest of Honour, Her Excellency Mrs. Teyiba Hassen, Director General of Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) of Ethiopia

Ms. Filipa Barreiros, Political Officer for Human Rights at the EU Delegation to the African Union, emphasized the EU’s commitment to migration as a catalyst for development, human dignity, and cooperation, highlighting the importance of tailored partnerships, capacity-building, and governance while underscoring the relevance of MECMEA’s findings for the upcoming Africa Climate Summit.

           BARREIROS Filipa Political Officer (Human Rights) at EU Delegation to African Union

Ms.Barbara Salcher, Dialogue Coordinator for the Khartoum Process at ICMPD, delivered remarks emphasizing the project’s significance in addressing migration, environmental change, and conflict in Eastern Africa through EU-funded regional cooperation, dialogue, and research, while also highlighting ICMPD’s role in supporting regional migration governance, facilitating dialogue, and advancing research.

Ms. Barbara Salcher (Dialogue Coordinator, Khartoum Process), ICMPD – International Centre for Migration Policy Development

The day-long event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and expert reflections on migration governance and policy integration. Representatives from IGAD and the African Union underscored the project’s regional significance, calling for broad-based engagement and policy coordination.

The meeting concluded on May 30, 2025, with internal planning and progress updates from project implementing partners.

Day 2.MECMEA Project Planning Meeting, May 30^th, 2025

Disclaimer: This media brief has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union and ICMPD. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of Addis Ababa University Horn of Africa Regional Environment Centre and Network (HoA-REC&N) and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or ICMPD.