Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, addressing the African Youth Climate Change Conference 2025 in Addis Ababa, implored African youth to unite in building a climate-resilient future for the continent.

His impassioned address centred on the urgent need for collective action, innovation, and unwavering commitment to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The conference, a gathering of young leaders, activists, and innovators from across Africa, provided a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change.

The Deputy Prime Minister, in his opening remarks, painted a stark picture of the crisis facing the continent.

"Africa stands at a critical juncture. Climate change tests our economy, threatens our livelihoods, and imperils our future security,” Temesgen declared. 

He emphasised the disproportionate burden shouldered by Africa, despite contributing less than four per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Drought, floods, food insecurity, and climate-driven migration were cited as pressing issues.

However, Temesgen quickly shifted the focus, painting a vision of hope rooted in the continent's burgeoning youth population.

"Africa is not only vulnerable but also a continent of hope and youth," he stated, noting that over 60% of Africans are under the age of 25.

He positioned the youth not just as inheritors of the climate crisis but as the architects of solutions.

“They are the creators of solutions through their creativity, skills, and hard work,” he continued.

The Deputy Prime Minister presented Ethiopia's efforts as a model for the continent.

He highlighted the success of the Green Decade Initiative, launched in 2011, which has mobilised over 20 million citizens annually.

The initiative has resulted in the planting of 48 billion seedlings, positioning Ethiopia as a world leader in reforestation.

Furthermore, Temesgen showcased Ethiopia's role as a renewable energy hub, supplying clean energy to neighbouring countries like Djibouti, Kenya, Sudan, and Tanzania.

He framed this as an example of what African governments can achieve when working in partnership with youth and communities.

“This is not just a national success for Ethiopia but also an example for Africa. It shows how much African governments can achieve in partnership with youth and communities,” he asserted.

Temesgen concluded his address with a fervent call to action, urging African youth to seize the moment.

He encouraged them to amplify their voices, forge stronger coalitions, and enhance coordination in tackling climate change.

He reiterated that climate change challenges are not resolvable in isolation.

"Africa's Agenda 2063 cannot be achieved without your active participation," he urged. "Dream big; break your silence and express your views openly."

This statement reflected a larger vision of Africa's transformation and a call for unity and leadership among the continent's youngest generation.

The Deputy Prime Minister's message resonated with the conference attendees. He was confident that this call to action would reverberate across the continent, inspiring a new wave of climate activism and driving efforts towards a sustainable and resilient future.