Ethiopia's Unwavering Climate Pledge Confirmed by Global Experts

Ethiopia's Leadership in Climate Action and the Role of South-South Cooperation

Ethiopia has emerged as a global leader in climate action, demonstrating a strong commitment through various initiatives and policies. The country's efforts have not gone unnoticed, with international figures praising its contributions to environmental sustainability. One such figure is Thomas Asare, Assistant Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), who commended Ethiopia for its proactive approach to addressing climate challenges.

Ethiopia recently hosted the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, in collaboration with the African Union. This event took place from September 8 to 10, 2025, and brought together key stakeholders to discuss critical climate issues affecting the continent. The summit highlighted Ethiopia’s role as a central player in shaping the future of climate action in Africa.

One of Ethiopia’s most notable achievements is the Green Legacy Initiative, which has led to the planting of over 48 billion trees in the past seven years. This initiative has been widely recognized for its positive impact on the environment and its potential to combat desertification and land degradation. Asare emphasized that Ethiopia's commitment to climate action is evident not just in words but in tangible actions taken at the highest levels of government.

In an exclusive interview, Asare urged countries in the Global South to strengthen their cooperation on climate adaptation. He stressed the importance of South-South Cooperation, noting that solutions developed within the Global South are often more relevant to the specific needs of these nations. "We all in the Global South face a common phenomenon and our circumstances are probably the same," he said. "Therefore, solutions that have emanated from other countries in the Global South become more appropriate to our needs than the Global North."

Asare also highlighted Ethiopia’s investment in climate science and weather monitoring systems. These investments have enabled the country to better understand and respond to climate-related challenges. He noted that Ethiopia has established a regional school focused on climate science training, further reinforcing its dedication to building capacity in this crucial area.

The Assistant Secretary General emphasized that Ethiopia’s leadership in climate action is driven by top-level political support, particularly from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. "You can see it in action, not by words," he said. Ethiopia has consistently shown willingness to share its experiences and knowledge with other nations, positioning itself as a model for sustainable development.

Asare also called on developed nations to provide fair support to the Global South, especially those facing debt challenges. He pointed out that Africa, despite contributing less to the climate crisis, is highly exposed to its impacts. "It's unfair to say we alone must respond," he said. "We need the international community to dedicate finance to debt challenges and climate resilience."

The African Leaders Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call To Action was officially adopted at the close of ACS2. This declaration marks a historic moment, placing Africa at the forefront of global climate action. It underscores the continent's determination to address climate change collectively and seek international solidarity in the process.

Asare concluded by emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in tackling climate change. "The climate doesn’t recognize borders," he said. "Through international cooperation and solidarity, we can tackle this as a global problem." He encouraged African nations to continue working together, learning from each other, and showing commitment before seeking support from global partners.

Ethiopia’s journey in climate action serves as an inspiration to many. Its proactive measures, combined with a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility, highlight the power of collective effort in addressing one of the greatest challenges of our time.