Ethiopia Showcases Leading Role in Climate Action, Translating Commitments into Action at ACS2

Addis Ababa, September 19, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia has demonstrated a leading role in its climate action at the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2), successfully translating promises and commitments into tangible results, Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa said.

Recall that the ACS2 took place in Addis Ababa from September 8-10, 2025, concluded by adopting the Addis Ababa Declaration, positioning the continent as a driver of climate solutions.

The summit brought together over 25,000 delegates from across the world, including Heads of State, ministers, policymakers, business leaders, and civil society.

Briefing the media today, Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa affirmed that hosting the ACS2 in Addis Ababa also created a massive opportunity for Ethiopia to showcase its leading role in climate action, commending all stakeholders including all government institutions, the African Union, among others for their contribution to the success of the summit.

The country showcased the achievements of the Green Legacy Initiative, which was launched in 2019 and thus far planted over 48 billion seedlings.

As a result, Ethiopia's green legacy initiative was recognized as an African model by the Addis Ababa declaration, Fitsum revealed. 

The country had also announced its candidacy to host the COP32 in 2027, positioning itself as a global leader in climate ambition, the Minister further recalled.

Similarly, Ethiopia also successfully presented GERD as a source of clean energy-- one of the climate solutions through African-led solutions.

Regarding the overall outcomes of the summit, the minister stated that ACS2 emphasized African-led solutions, green economy, renewable energy, and climate finance, while also advocating for a more unified African voice in global climate negotiations.

The summit registered key outcomes and achievements, citing, among others, the Addis Ababa declaration and promoting Africa-led solutions.

According to the Minister, the Addis Ababa Declaration, which was adopted by African leaders, signaled a historic shift to place Africa at the forefront of global climate action.

By promoting Africa-led solutions, the summit championed homegrown and African-led climate solutions, such as the Great Green Wall Initiative and the Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative, promoting nature-based solutions and green development.

The summit also stressed portraying Africa not just as a victim of climate change but as a powerful driver of solutions and the future global climate economy.

The central theme at the summit was securing bold financial commitments to fund Africa's resilient and green development efforts.