The African Development Bank reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa’s climate agenda at the opening of Climate Week 2025 in Addis Ababa, where leaders called for urgent implementation of global pledges. Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie declared that Africa was embracing a new path, envisioning prosperity through integrated electricity markets, transformed food systems, and the leadership of women and youth.
UNFCC Deputy Executive Secretary Noura Hamladji stressed the importance of turning wealthy nations’ pledge of $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance for developing countries into reality. She emphasized that Africa was already showing how climate action can drive economic growth, create jobs, improve health, and expand access to clean energy. Similarly, AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf urged fair climate finance, effective technology transfer, and stronger capacity building to ensure Africa is not left behind.
Ethiopia’s Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa highlighted Climate Week as a platform to unite governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, and local communities in turning global promises into tangible results. Prof. Anthony Nyong of the African Development Bank echoed this, warning that climate impacts are outpacing solutions and stressing the urgency of timely finance and technical assistance to move from words to bold, inclusive action.
Youth voices also played a prominent role, with COP 30 Youth Climate Champion Marcele Oliveira urging collective responsibility from governments, the private sector, and civil society. She stressed that young people are not only the future but also leading climate action in the present.
Running until 7 September, Climate Week 2025 serves as a lead-up to the Second Africa Climate Summit and includes forums, peer-learning exchanges, and NDC clinics focused on resilience, just transition, and climate finance. The African Development Bank is co-organizing sessions and leading NDC clinics to help African countries align policies, strengthen capacity, and design investment plans.
This regional gathering forms part of a global series building momentum toward COP30 in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025, positioning Africa at the center of shaping solutions for a sustainable future.
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