Africa Climate Summit Marks New Era of United, Solution-driven Climate Leadership

Addis Ababa, September 4, 2025 (ENA) -- The Second Africa Climate Summit marks a new era of united, solution-driven climate leadership for the continent and the world at large, Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) Technical Committee Chairperson Adefris Worku said.

In a critical step toward consolidating Africa’s approach to climate change, Ethiopia will next week host the Second African Climate Summit, building on the success of last year’s inaugural gathering in Nairobi.

The summit is expected to provide a unique platform for African leaders to unite in tackling the urgent climate crisis, positioning Africa not just as a victim of climate change but as a proactive solution provider on the global stage.

The GLI technical committee chairperson told ENA that there are several platforms where the global communities come together to discuss climate change management, but Africa used to approach this pressing crisis without a very well consolidated form.

However, he noted that “this year, Ethiopia is hosting the Second Africa Climate Summit, and this is going to really allow African leaders and the continent to make their voices heard and press through the dialogues at the global platform.”

According to him, Ethiopia’s selection as a host country is reflective of its diplomatic prominence and longstanding climate leadership.

“The political will and leadership of Ethiopia for climate management stand out, with a consistent track record of shaping climate negotiations and translating commitments into concrete action.”

 

Ethiopia’s bold climate policies, including the Climate Resilient Green Growth (CRGE) strategy and an ambitious updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to reduce emissions by 68 percent by 2030, have won global acclaim.

Adefris pointed out that “these comprehensive policies demonstrate Ethiopia’s commitment to significantly cut emissions and illustrate how an African country can lead by example.”

One hallmark of Ethiopia’s climate action is the Green Legacy Initiative, a massive tree-planting campaign that has planted nearly 48 billion seedlings in seven years.

This nature-based solution addresses deforestation, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, water conservation, and food security simultaneously.

“Africa is not only a victim to climate change, it also has the potential to provide solutions,” Adefris noted.

The GLI technical committee chairperson advocates for expanding initiatives like the Green Legacy under the Pan African Great Green Wall initiative in order to scale impact continent-wide.

Adefris emphasized that “the global community has long discussed the need for climate mitigation and adaptation, but we need to walk the talk.”

Yet, African heads of state need finance to galvanize actionable measures and implement solutions effectively, he argued.

Ethiopia’s efforts extend beyond its borders, benefiting regional downstream countries through watershed restoration efforts that reduce water scarcity and flooding, Adefris stated, adding that this regional perspective reflects the interconnected nature of climate impacts and solutions.

With strong political will, a robust diplomatic infrastructure, and ambitious climate initiatives, Ethiopia exemplifies the new wave of African leadership focused on combining negotiation with practical steps.