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Ethiopian Embassy in Kigali Announces the Second African Climate Summit
By: Charilogone Editorial TeamOn August 20, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., a briefing meeting was held at the Ethiopian Embassy in Kigali, chaired by His Excellency Mesfin Gebremariam Shawo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of Rwanda. This diplomatic engagement aimed to present the key issues of the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2), scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa from September 8 to 10, 2025, with preparatory sessions from September 5 to 7.
In his opening remarks, the ambassador emphasized that this gathering marks a decisive moment in regional mobilization against climate challenges. He stated, “The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat; it is an urgent reality confronting our people daily,” citing droughts in the Horn of Africa, floods in Southern Africa, and the fragility of food systems. He reminded attendees that although Africa contributes less than 4% of global emissions, it suffers the most severe consequences—threatening lives, economies, and regional stability.
The ambassador also highlighted the remarkable efforts made by African countries to address these challenges. He cited Ethiopia’s Green Legacy campaign, which has planted over 40 billion trees between 2019 and 2025. He praised Rwanda’s ambitious policies, including its leadership in the Bonn Challenge, 30% forest coverage, and a national ban on single-use plastics since 2008. He also referenced Rwanda’s green growth and climate resilience strategy, aiming for a low-carbon economy by 2050, and the Great Green Wall Initiative, which seeks to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land in the Sahel.
According to the ambassador, the African Climate Summit will serve as a strategic platform for high-level ministerial and technical discussions, promoting dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative initiatives. He invited all stakeholders to register for the summit, share their experiences, and actively participate in discussions and side events. He emphasized that Rwanda has much to contribute to the summit, particularly in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green investment mobilization, and community resilience.
The briefing brought together a diverse panel of personalities and institutions committed to environmental and sustainable development issues. Rwanda’s Ministry of Environment was represented by Mr. Munyazikwiye Faustin, Deputy Director General, who stressed the importance of regional cooperation to strengthen climate resilience. Ms. Jannet Kem, UN Women representative, highlighted the role of women in adaptation and mitigation strategies, calling for greater inclusion in climate policies. Murtaza Malik, WASH and Climate Change Lead at UNICEF, underscored the impact of climate on access to clean water and sanitation, especially for children. Diana Mugire, Energy Officer at UNHCR, discussed energy challenges in refugee camps and ongoing sustainable solutions. Ms. Claire Iryanyawera, Unit Head at UNFPA, noted that climate issues directly affect reproductive health and women’s rights, advocating for an integrated approach. Finally, Ms. Tuyisenge Aminadabe, Research Director at RCCDN, presented the latest data on climate change effects in Rwanda, stressing the need to strengthen local research and innovation capacities.
According to several speakers, although Rwanda’s official participation in the summit has not yet been announced, the country is expected to be present through its national Pavilion and involvement in parallel meetings. This anticipated engagement reflects Rwanda’s commitment to contributing actively to continental climate discussions and sharing its experience in green policy and resilience.
Local and international media were well represented, including Charilogone Media International and Charilogone magazine. Mr. Alfred C. Djasnan, CEO of Charilogone Media International and Editor-in-Chief of Charilogone magazine, honored the ambassador’s invitation with his presence. He praised the diplomatic initiative and emphasized the crucial role of media in raising awareness and mobilizing citizens around climate issues.
The summit, themed “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing Africa’s Green and Resilient Development,” is expected to welcome between 20,000 and 25,000 participants, including governments, financial institutions, UN agencies, the private sector, and civil society. It is part of a continental momentum driven by the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, whose commitment to climate action has positioned Ethiopia as a leader in green development. In a statement shared ahead of the summit, Dr. Abiy declared: “The call is clear: invest in nature, scale up proven solutions, and adopt a model where ecology drives the economy.”
The ambassador concluded by thanking the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), co-organizer of the briefing, for its commitment and expertise, and called for collective mobilization: “The urgency of the climate challenge demands that no one be left behind. Together, we can turn our ambition into tangible results for Africa and beyond.”
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