By: Tigist Sernesa

Addis Ababa is set to host the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) from September 8-10, 2025, at the Addis International Convention Center. Convened by the African Union Commission, the summit will be preceded by pre-summit events from September 5-7. The event aims to promote nature-based and technological solutions to boost adaptation and resilience, as well as to shift climate finance from traditional aid to investment in local innovation.

Under the theme "Amplifying the voice of young people to secure a just, inclusive, and climate-resilient Africa," the Pre-African Youth Climate simulation consultation has already begun.

The simulation has brought together young Africans to assume the roles of heads of state and ministers. In their consultation, the youth representatives presented reports from their respective countries, outlining necessary actions to tackle the climate change crisis, with a focus on its connection to gender-based violence, peace, and security.

Speaking to EBC World, youth representatives from various countries urged developed nations to contribute their fair share to climate finance, noting that their carbon emissions far exceed those of underdeveloped and developing nations.

Sources indicate that while Africa accounts for less than 3% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, it receives very little climate financing. The disruptive impacts of COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and rising debt stocks on the continent have limited the capacity of African states to meet their climate finance targets. Despite initiatives like the Adaptation Fund, the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility, and the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, Africa received only US$18.3 billion in climate finance between 2016 and 2019, representing just 3% of the global flow.