Ethiopia Calls for United African Voice on Climate Action

Addis Ababa, September 8, 2025 (ENA) -- In her address at the Second Africa Climate Summit, which was officially opened in Addis Ababa this morning, the Minister of Planning and Development of Ethiopia, Fitsum Assefa, urged African leaders to come together and articulate a unified stance on climate action issues at the forthcoming global forums.

The Second Africa Climate Summit officially opened today in the presence of continent's leaders under the theme “Accelerating Climate Action: Africa’s Resilient and Green Energy.”

On the occasion, Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa, called on African leaders to present a united voice at upcoming global platforms, stressing the importance of collective action in addressing the climate crisis and advancing Africa’s shared priorities.

Over the next three days, the summit will not only deliberate on the challenges of climate change but also explore how the continent can shape a new “African decade of delivery.”

 

Discussions will focus on showcasing homegrown climate solutions, mobilizing large-scale finance, and transforming Africa’s natural endowments, human capital, and innovation ecosystems into drivers of shared prosperity.

According to Minister Fitsum, Ethiopia, in collaboration with the African Union Commission and international partners, mobilized experts and stakeholders to prepare for the summit.

“Together we defined the planning framework and established coordination mechanisms fit for this gathering,” she said, noting that consultations involved policymakers, youth, and community leaders.

The summit program is designed around three main tracks, each focusing on a critical area of climate action. The first day highlights nature-based solutions, clean energy, innovation, and resilient infrastructure, emphasizing the need for sustainable approaches and technologies to address climate challenges.

The second day centers on strengthening cooperation in climate adaptation and resilience, with particular attention to early warning systems and health, ensuring communities are better prepared for climate-related risks.

The third day shifts the focus to financing African-led solutions, aiming to move climate finance beyond short-term aid and transform it into long-term, strategic investments that can bring projects to completion and drive lasting change across the continent.

Across all tracks, leaders aim to adopt an additional declaration and a focused call to action that will amplify Africa’s united position on global climate platforms.

Beyond the official sessions, participants will also have the opportunity to experience Addis Ababa’s green transformation, with tours to landmarks such as Entoto Hills, the National Palace, Unity Park, and the new Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, she said.