Seyoum Mekonnen, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Planning and Development and Chair of the ACS2 National Organizing Committee, made this remark while speaking at the meeting, held virtually, and attended by more than 1,000 non-state actors from across the continent.

Mekonnen acknowledged, “We are fully aware that the governments alone cannot drive the transformation we seek.

Some of the most innovative, practical, and community-based solutions emerge not from ministries or departments, but from you.”

He underscored that civil society organizations, community groups, youth networks, and other non-state actors are not mere participants, but essential drivers of bold, Africa-led climate solutions.

Yonas Gebru, Chair of the Summit’s Non-State Actors and Inclusion Committee, commented that, although they do not hold government positions, this sector is deeply rooted in their communities.

Official sources informed that the event will take place in Addis Ababa on September 8-10 and bring together between 20,000 and 25,000 participants, including heads of State, politicians, and climate experts.

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