The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), which aims to highlight Africa’s critical role in shaping global climate solutions, and advancing practical, impactful action is scheduled to take place from September 8-10, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Organized in collaboration with the AUC under the theme “Green Talks and Green Actions,” the summit will showcase Africa’s innovative approaches to climate adaptation and mitigation. It seeks to mobilize international and continental momentum toward scalable, nature-based solutions, calling for investment in nature, scaling proven strategies, and adopting development models where ecological well-being drives economic growth for a sustainable, climate-resilient future.
Obviously, today the world is grappling with an escalating climate crisis, marked by frequent floods, droughts, wildfires and other severe environmental challenges that demand urgent global action.
Although Africa contributes only a minimal share-approximately as little as 4 percent – to global greenhouse gas emissions; it stands both as a victim of the crisis, bearing the disproportionate consequences of climate change; and as vital force emerging and positioning itself as a crucial player in developing sustainable, innovative solutions to the challenge.
Ethiopia, for instance, has been implementing numerous climate mitigation initiatives, including large-scale reforestation programs, expansion of renewable energy projects, notably the Abbay Hydroelectric Dam, promotion of sustainable agriculture practices, and green urban planning.
Mainly, its Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), launched in 2019 to restore degraded lands and increase forest coverage by planting billions of trees annually, is yielding positive results. It has also fostered regional collaboration on climate action across Africa and inspired similar efforts in other nations.
These achievements reflect Ethiopia’s commitment to addressing climate change through national policies, community involvement, and international partnerships.
Successively, these consistent efforts, measurable progress, and leadership in environmental stewardship have recently earned it the honor of hosting ACS2, further affirming its role as a model for climate action in Africa and beyond.
During her briefing last Monday, Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa (PhD) emphasized Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development, which subsequently contributed to the nation’s selection to host the Summit.
She highlighted initiatives like the Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy, launched in 2011, which forms the backbone of the country’s 10-Year Development Plan, and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s unwavering dedication to translating climate pledges into tangible results.
Mentioning the nation’s flagship initiatives, including the Green Legacy Initiative, under which saw over 40 billion tree seedlings were planted within five years, and ambitious programs in renewable energy, e-mobility, climate-smart urban planning, sustainable land management, and watershed development, Fitsum reaffirmed Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to translating its climate pledges into tangible results.
Noticeably, through various bold initiatives and programs, Ethiopia has positioned itself as a leader in Africa’s climate response. In this respect, hosting ACS2 in Addis Ababa not only recognizes Ethiopia’s achievements but also provides a platform to further galvanize collective action, showcasing how national leadership can drive regional and global momentum toward a climate-resilient future.
In this regard, the upcoming ACS2 is more than a gathering; it is a call for renewed commitment, bold investments, and innovative approaches and actions to building a resilient, green future for Africa and beyond.
Importantly, it is a vital opportunity not only for Africa but for the world at large to recognize and invest in Africa’s climate leadership, reinforcing that a green, resilient future is achievable, essential and, at the same time, unavoidable matter.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE 2025
