Ethiopia’s Planning and Development Minister appeals for a unified African voice to drive global climate action

Addis Ababa, September 8, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia called on African leaders to present a cohesive front on climate action at international forums during the opening of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa today.

The gathering, themed “Accelerating Climate Action: Africa’s Resilient and Green Energy,” brings together heads of state, policymakers, and stakeholders to chart a continental path toward sustainable development and climate resilience.

In her keynote address, Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa, emphasized the imperative for Africa to articulate a shared stance on climate priorities.

She stressed that collective action across the continent is essential for addressing the climate crisis and advancing Africa’s strategic interests on the global stage.

“The challenges posed by climate change demand that Africa speaks with one voice,” Minister Fitsum said. “Through coordinated efforts, we can turn our natural endowments, human capital, and innovative capacity into engines of sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”

The three-day summit will explore pathways for a new “African decade of delivery,” focusing on homegrown climate solutions, mobilization of large-scale finance, and the transformation of Africa’s ecosystems and innovation landscapes.

According to Minister Fitsum, Ethiopia, in partnership with the African Union Commission and international collaborators, convened experts and stakeholders in advance to ensure the summit’s preparatory framework is robust and inclusive.

“Together, we established a planning framework and coordination mechanisms tailored for this summit, engaging policymakers, youth, and community leaders alike,” she noted.

The summit is structured around three thematic tracks:

– Day One spotlights nature-based solutions, clean energy, innovation, and resilient infrastructure, emphasizing sustainable technologies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
– Day Two centers on climate adaptation and resilience, including early warning systems and health preparedness, aimed at equipping communities to withstand climate-related risks.
– Day Three focuses on financing African-led solutions, seeking to transform climate finance from short-term aid into long-term, strategic investments that drive tangible outcomes and systemic change.

Across all tracks, participants are expected to endorse a joint declaration and issue a **focused call to action, amplifying Africa’s united position in upcoming global climate negotiations.

Beyond official sessions, delegates will also witness Ethiopia’s green transformation through visits to iconic sites including Entoto Hills, the National Palace, Unity Park, and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, showcasing the country’s commitment to sustainable urban and cultural development.