Addis Ababa, September 5, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, emphasized the crucial role of African youth in shaping the continent’s climate future during the opening of the African Youth Climate Assembly (AYCA 2025) at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa.
Addressing youth leaders, dignitaries, and development partners, Temesgen highlighted Africa’s paradox: while the continent contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, it disproportionately suffers from climate impacts such as droughts, desertification, food insecurity, and floods.
Despite these challenges, he cited Ethiopia’s climate-resilient development as a beacon of hope for the continent. Initiatives such as the Green Legacy Initiative, launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, have resulted in the planting of over 48 billion seedlings, the creation of millions of jobs for youth, and steps to ensure long-term food security.
The country’s investments in renewable and clean energy further demonstrate how Africa can achieve its climate goals through active citizen participation.
Temesgen underlined AYCA’s role as the official youth platform of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), enabling young leaders to contribute directly to the summit’s outcomes.
“Young delegates need to dream big, speak boldly, and work together across borders to drive Africa’s just and green transition,” he said, urging governments and partners to go beyond symbolic gestures and make tangible investments in youth leadership and climate-focused enterprises.
AYCA 2025, hosted by the Ethiopian government as part of ACS2, convenes under the theme: “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” The assembly brings together young leaders from across Africa to exchange ideas, foster cross-border collaboration, and advance practical strategies for climate resilience, green development, and inclusive growth.
Temesgen concluded by reaffirming the continent’s confidence in its youth, calling on them to lead with innovation, collaboration, and bold action to build a truly climate-resilient Africa.