Addis ababa: 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.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the ACS2 took place in Addis Ababa from September 8-10, 2025, concluding with the adoption of the Addis Ababa Declaration, positioning the continent as a driver of climate solutions. The summit gathered 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 created a significant opportunity for Ethiopia to showcase its leading role in climate action. She commended all stakeholders, including government institutions and the African Union, for their contributions to the summit’s success.
The country highlighted the achievements of the Green Legacy Initiative, launched in 2019, which has planted over 48 billion seedlings. As a result, Ethiopia’s initiative was recognized as an African model by the Addis Ababa Declaration, as revealed by Fitsum.
Ethiopia announced its candidacy to host the COP32 in 2027, positioning itself as a global leader in climate ambition. The country also presented the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a source of clean energy, demonstrating African-led climate solutions.
Regarding the overall outcomes of the summit, the minister stated that ACS2 emphasized African-led solutions, green economy, renewable energy, and climate finance, advocating for a unified African voice in global climate negotiations. The summit achieved key outcomes, including the Addis Ababa Declaration and the promotion of Africa-led solutions.
According to the Minister, the Addis Ababa Declaration, adopted by African leaders, marked 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 initiatives, such as the Great Green Wall Initiative and the Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative, promoting nature-based solutions and green development.
The summit also underscored Africa’s role not just as a victim of climate change but as a powerful driver of solutions and the future global climate economy. The central theme was securing bold financial commitments to fund Africa’s resilient and green development efforts.