• Honorable Minister, Dr. Fitsum Assefa,
• Honorable State Minister, Mr. Seyoum Mekonen,
• Executive Secretary, UNFCCC, Mr. Simon Stiell,
• Excellency Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of the Member States of the African Union,
• Excellencies Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of the Partner Countries of the African Union,
• Colleagues from the African Union Commission,
• Distinguished Guests,
• Members of Media Houses,
• Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Let me begin by acknowledging the continued commitment, leadership and dedication of our host country for this year’s second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) - the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

2. I extend my deepest gratitude to the Honorable Minister, H.E. Dr. Fitsum Assefa and her able team, for her exceptional leadership in steering the planning of the Africa Climate Summit-2.

3. It will be remiss on my part if I do not recognize the commitment of the African Union Commission’s team in the ongoing collaboration, which has been instrumental in shaping the planning for ACS2 - a platform that will bring together voices from across the continent to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

4. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our friends from the 4th State/the media community for their unwavering support and dedication in amplifying the message of ACS2.

5. The media coverage, so far, has played a pivotal role in raising awareness, engaging the public, and driving meaningful conversations around our mission.

6. I reaffirm the African Union’s commitment to rotational hosting of the summit to ensure regional inclusivity and visibility across our beautiful continent.

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

7. Africa contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions in the world, however, remains the most climate-vulnerable facing disproportionate risks due to its geography, socioeconomic conditions, and limited adaptive capacity.

8. Much has happened since ACS-1. The African Union Commission has amongst other goals been able to strengthen climate services and applications through partnerships with regional climate centers, the African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC), and the Global Framework for Climate Services.

9. These initiatives help to enhance early warning systems, seasonal forecasts, and climate data tailored to agriculture, health, and water. But the continent still has a long way to go in addressing the challenges arising from adverse climate conditions.

10. Indeed, I am convinced that climate change, and what we do about it, will define us, our era, our continent, and ultimately the global legacy we leave for future generations.

11. The ACS1 set a goal to triple renewable energy capacity to 300 GW by 2030. Further, the International Renewable Energy Agency’s 1.5°C scenario projects 90% of Africa’s power generation from renewables by 2050. We must therefore recognize that a just and equitable energy transition in Africa requires collaboration between governments, private sector, and international partners.

12. The ACS-2, themed “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions and Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development,” propels Africa from dialogue to action in our climate journey, and aims to transform visionary climate commitments into tangible, scalable solutions for a resilient and sustainable future.

13. The ACS2 is our opportunity to advance sustainable development, encourage stakeholders of cleaner technologies, industries and jobs.
14. This is also our opportunity to establish and enhance mechanisms to integrate climate change risks into national policies, plans and practices.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

15. Recognizing that Africa leads the world in solar energy potential, with vast areas receiving over 2,000 kWh/m² annually, the ACS2 aims to accelerate climate solutions and financing for Africa’s green development, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy as a transformative force.

16. Africa faces a significant climate finance gap. Only 18% of annual mitigation needs are funded, just 20% of adaptation needs are covered, and only 18% of total climate finance is sourced from private sources far below global averages.

17. While Africa needs $3 trillion for climate goals; only $30 billion was received between 2021-2022.

18. Subsequently, Africa’s climate finance landscape must enable conducive environment for efficiency, adequacy, and justice. Bridging the climate finance gap is an existential necessity to ensure Africa’s resilience and green development.

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

19. ACS2 is our moment to lead, innovate, and deliver. United by our common interests in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063, we must promote inclusive Climate Governance that leaves no one behind for the Africa We Want.

20. So, with the 2nd Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), we reaffirm our readiness as a continent and call upon the entire globe to collaborate in the implementation of African solutions relevant to our specific needs in response to climate change.

Thank you for your kind attention.