Addis Ababa Declaration to Forge Unified African Voice Ahead of COP30

Addis Ababa, September 7, 2025 (ENA) – Ethiopia is hosting over 25,000 delegates at the historic Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), positioning the continent as a source of climate solutions rather than just a victim, an effort that will culminate in the adoption of a landmark declaration unifying Africa’s stance on climate change ahead of global negotiations at COP30 in Brazil.

Minister of Planning and Development and ACS2 National Coordinator, Fitsum Assefa, expressed confidence that the summit will strengthen Africa’s collective voice on the world stage and drive meaningful outcomes in international climate policy.

Fitsum announced today that Africa is poised to present a unified front in global climate negotiations with the adoption of the Addis Ababa Declaration at the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), a landmark event hosted by Ethiopia that has drawn over 25,000 delegates from across the continent and beyond.

In a press conference, she declared that the massive conference signals a pivotal moment for the continent, as it seeks to redefine itself from a victim of climate change to a key provider of global solutions.

 

"This is not just another meeting. It is a defining moment," Fitsum stated. "The message from Ethiopia, from Africa, and from all our partners is clear: Yes Africa is a victim of climate change, but it is also providing climate solutions!"

She stated that the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) will culminate in the adoption of the Addis Ababa Declaration, a landmark document expected to unify Africa’s stance on climate change.

The minister expressed confidence that this declaration will strengthen the continent’s collective voice in global negotiations, particularly at the upcoming COP30 in Brazil.

Highlighting the scale of the event, she noted that the summit, which officially opens tomorrow, has drawn an extraordinary number of heads of state, ministers, youth leaders, and climate experts, underscoring Ethiopia's capacity and readiness to host a global summit of this magnitude.

Fitsum also outlined her broader expectations for the conference, emphasizing its role in redefining Africa's position in global climate action and in securing the financial and technical resources needed for the continent’s green and resilient development.

She stressed that the most critical outcome of the summit will be the creation of a unified African voice with greater influence on the international stage.

The Addis Ababa Declaration serves as the central vehicle for advancing a unified African vision on climate action, consolidating the continent’s shared priorities and strategic direction.

In addition to the declaration, the summit is expected to issue a strong call for global finance reform, urging a substantial increase in grant-based climate finance and investment commitments tailored to Africa’s needs.

 

Minister Fitsum emphasized that developed nations have a responsibility to support the continent’s climate resilience and green development efforts, underlining the importance of fair and equitable global climate partnerships.

"We need global solidarity, fair finance, and genuine partnership and investment to ensure that Africa’s resilience becomes the world’s resilience," she said.

Fitsum also emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships between African innovators and global investors.

The Minister noted that the summit provides a vital platform to showcase Africa-led climate solutions, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and nature-based resilience, and to connect these innovations with the capital required to scale them globally.  

Ensuring that these homegrown solutions receive the international support they deserve, she said, is key to unlocking the continent’s full climate potential. 

Another major outcome of the summit will be the release of a flagship report developed by African countries and organizations. This report will offer a comprehensive overview of Africa’s climate needs, progress, and the immense opportunities for green and resilient development across the continent.