DailySun
Pretoria – The South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, is attending the second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
South Africa is committed to being instrumental in promoting Africa-led climate solutions and securing climate finance.
Scheduled from September 8 to 10, 2025, the summit provides a platform for discussions focused on climate change solutions driven by Africa, in alignment with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and the principles of multilateralism.
This event offers an opportunity for policymakers, practitioners, businesses, and civil society to advocate for Africa’s climate objectives and sustainable development goals.
Co-hosted by the African Union and the Ethiopian Government, the theme for this year is “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.”
The summit seeks to build upon and implement the strong commitments made during the inaugural summit in 2023, leading to the Nairobi Declaration—an eleven-point call to action representing a unified African approach to climate issues.
Minister George expects the Summit to showcase Africa’s leadership and innovation in responding to the climate crisis, articulating the continent’s formal position ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
“As one of the regions most impacted by climate change, this Summit shows that the African people are neither indifferent nor unaware of the climate crisis,” Minister George stated.
“As we approach the end of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and look forward to COP30 in Brazil, it’s crucial that the African voice transitions from dialogue to action.”
The continent’s ambitious greening initiatives will also be a central focus, laying the groundwork for effectively addressing the impacts of climate change while promoting sustainable development.
Climate solutions become achievable only when supported by substantial action, political commitment, and adequate resources.
In South Africa, progress has been highlighted by the enactment of the Climate Change Act earlier this year, followed by the launch of the country’s inaugural sectoral climate change initiative – the Climate Change Coastal Response Plan.
Following extensive stakeholder engagement, including workshops and consultations, South Africa has recently released the National Greenhouse Gas Carbon Budget and Mitigation Plan Regulations for public feedback.
“By establishing clear carbon budgets and mitigation strategies, we are ensuring our nation fulfills its climate obligations while fostering economic growth and social equity,” remarked Minister George.
“South Africa is committed to fostering a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy while enhancing regional collaboration on climate efforts.”
Meanwhile, just before the Second Africa Climate Summit in Ethiopia, Dr. Fitsum Assefa, the Ethiopian Planning and Development Minister and the summit’s Nationally Designated Coordinator, described this moment as a “defining moment for Africa.”
During his speech at the Addis International Convention Center, Minister Assefa emphasized that the summit will showcase Africa-driven solutions in areas like clean energy, adaptation, green growth, and nature-based resilience.
It will also aim to ensure fair and predictable climate financing for Africa’s priorities.
Over 25,000 delegates are registered to attend.
All programs, including the high-level official opening session, have been meticulously planned and finalized.
At least 49 events are on the schedule, along with 199 official side events.
Twenty-three pavilions and 43 exhibitions are set up at the Addis International Convention Center.
Key expected outcomes include the adoption of the Addis Ababa Declaration, a unified African voice and common position to steer COP30, and a flagship report featuring around 130 climate initiatives alongside financial and other commitments, among other results.
