Africa heads of states and government warms up for the Second Africa Climate Summit as focus zeros on real outcomes and continental leadership.

Africa is warming up to the second climate change summit as 45 heads of states and governments convene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Under the theme, Accelerating global climate solutions: Financing for Africa’s resilient and green development’,  the second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), which takes place on September 8-10 with collaboration of the government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (GoE) and the African union commission (AUC).

The two partners have shared key updates on the summit that will be attended by the heads of state, ministers and technical experts with Africa’s priorities being at the center of the global climate negotiations.

The second Africa climate summit (ACS2) comes after the inaugural of the Nairobi 2023 Summit (ACS1) and is meant to position Africa as a leader and solutions provider in matters climate change, where by building on the momentum of (ACS1).

The summit will highlight African-led solutions, track progress on commitments, and define a roadmap for implementation. The Addis Ababa meet will further zero in on strengthening systems and institutions to drive the needed changes, with sessions dedicated to climate finance, just transitions, adaptation, resilience, trade, innovation and technology.

The upcoming Addis Ababa meeting (ACS2) is strategically timed by the G20, United Nations General Assembly Nations (UNGA) and COP30 to provide Africa with a platform to shape the global climate and finance agendas around its priorities and realities.

The Summit is expected to showcase successful initiatives, launch new partnerships, and align regional action with international processes and will feature high-level plenary sessions, ministerial roundtables, side events and exhibitions, youth forums, and regional pavilions, while spotlighting successful African programs in energy, food systems, innovation, and climate-smart infrastructure, among others.

“The urgent need for global cooperation has never been clearer, as Africa strives to combat various climate-related challenges.

The Commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment, African union commission Moses Vilakati hinted that “The ACS2 provides a crucial moment for us to show its commitment in climate actions and brand Africa as the solution provider. I urge our partners to support us and our member states in building a climate-resilient and green development agenda for the Africa We Want”.

Ethiopian Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa added that, “Africa needs a platform that will reflect its priorities and also push for real results and (ACS2) is that platform as it brings voices together, builds alignment and alliances, alongside creating the space to turn ambition into action on our terms”.

Among the key highlights are engaging with major stakeholders through roundtable and briefing sessions with key stakeholders African union member states, high-level diplomatic missions, UN agencies, philanthropies and foundations, Africa ministerial conference on environment (AMCEN) member states, and non-state actors.

These sessions have assisted in aligning expectations and deepening support for the summit’s collaborative approach. With this landmark summit, African and global climate leaders together with all stakeholders will meet to discuss and come up workable solutions that will shape and decide the future of Africa in the global climate regime.

During the event it is expected that over 100 side events meetings on thematic diversity and regional balance across Africa will be held.

Due to the seriousness of the summit, Ethiopia and the African Union Commission is appealing for further financial and in-kind contributions from partners and stakeholders in support of the ACS2 delivery, visibility, and impact. The contributions received will assist scale innovations in logistics, technology, youth engagement, and sustainability.

At the same time the government of Ethiopia (GoE) and African union commission (AUC) call upon all member States, stakeholders and partners to join ranks in supporting the preparations of the summit.

• A Tell Media report / By Isaiah Wakhungu Andanje