By Mary Kasoka Mwiikisa
As Zambia grapples with environmental issues such as mining pollution, illegal mining that has led to land degradation and a climate change induced energy shortage, Africa prepares to gather in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the Africa Climate Summit, with many looking up to the high level meeting to offer solutions on climate change adaptation, mitigation and reduce vulnerability.
The week before the summit has been a busy one with several side meetings and activities taking place, leading up to the summit which is expected to set the tone for the Conference of Parties-COP30 this November.
H.E. Dr Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopian Minister of Planning and Development said “This Climate Week is not just an event. It is a bridge between negotiation and implementation. It is where ambition meets action, where commitments are translated into real solutions that reach communities, restore ecosystems, and advance sustainable development.”
The Climate Week also advanced work on key issues being negotiated at COP30 in Brazil, across issues including climate adaptation, finance pathways, and a just transition.
The Africa Climate Summit next week is an unmissable opportunity to send a clear global message, according to a powerful joint statement issued today by UN Climate Change and the Government of Ethiopia.
Noura Hamladji, UN Climate Change Deputy Executive Secretary said “Climate Week has been about connecting the international climate process to people’s daily lives. We’ve worked together here in Addis to help translate pledges into actions. From community mini-grids to recycling innovations in Kibera, Kenya, to green bonds in Morocco and digital platforms tracking ambition across the continent: we’ve heard from innovators of climate action that is profitable, scalable, and irreversible.”
During the Climate Week, Ethiopia also announced its bid to host the COP32 UN Climate Conference in 2027.
The Africa Climate Summit starts on Monday 8-11th, 2025, and Zambia will be represented by Government, civil society and other interested groups.