Ethiopia Urges Climate Stakeholders to Focus on Turning Commitments into Tangible Results

Addis Ababa, September 3, 2025 (ENA) - Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development, Fistum Assefa urged Second Climate Week participants to take a bold, practical, and impactful actions highlighting the importance of focus on turning commitments into action, and ambition into tangible results on the ground.

The Minister made the remark in her welcoming speech at the official opening of the Second Climate Week (CW2) in Addis Ababa today in the presence of a high-level delegation including Ethiopian President Taye Atskeselassie and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. 

The week-long event, underway under the theme "Dialogues for Ambition and Implementation," aims to bridge the gap between global climate decisions and concrete actions on the ground.

In her speech the minister said to the gathering that brought a wide range of participants—including policymakers, business leaders, financiers, and community representatives—to fast-track climate action that climate emergency is no longer a distant threat it is here, shaping lives and livelihoods, testing the resilience of our economies, and defining the choices of our generation.

“Your presence reflects not only Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing the global climate agenda, but also Addis Ababa’s growing role as a hub for dialogue, partnership, and action on humanity’s most urgent challenge.”

Addis Ababa is already the home of the African Union where continent’s priorities are defined each year, and its collective voice is amplified globally, she added.

“By gathering here for Climate Week, a global platform for Parties and non-Party stakeholders, we reaffirm Addis Ababa’s role as a hub of the Global South a place where ideas are exchanged, partnerships forged, and practical solutions launched,” the minister affirmed.

The Climate Week is not just an event instead it is a bridge between negotiation and implementation, Fistum added stating that  “It is where ambition meets action where commitments are translated into real solutions that reach communities, restore ecosystems, and advance sustainable development.”

According to her, the Climate Week provides an inclusive platform for governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, and local communities. I

Mentioning Ethiopia’s endeavors in mitigating challenges of climate change, Fisum said guided by the country’s Ten-Year National Development Plan and the Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda, Ethiopia has aligned its national policies with Nationally Determined Contributions and Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy.

“Our vision and ambition are being translated into tangible climate actions through transformative initiatives such as the Green Legacy initiatives, the expansion of clean energy projects, and the transition of our cities and communities toward sustainable, inclusive, and smart development.”

"Let this Climate Week be bold, practical, and impactful," the minister stated. "And let us keep a clear focus on turning commitments into action and ambition into tangible results on the ground."