Sunday September 7, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Ethiopia’s capital on Sunday for the Second Africa Climate Summit, joining dozens of African leaders in a push for fairer climate financing and stronger adaptation measures ahead of this year’s UN negotiations in Brazil.
The three-day gathering, held September 8–10 at the Addis International Convention Center, is expected to adopt an Addis Ababa Declaration calling for reforms to global financial systems and increased investment in Africa-led climate solutions. More than 35,000 delegates, 2,000 exhibitors and representatives from 140 countries are in attendance, underscoring the scale of the event.
Mohamud is scheduled to deliver a keynote address setting out Somalia’s climate priorities, focusing on resilience to recurring droughts, floods and food insecurity. Officials say he will also meet with other heads of state to seek investment in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and community-led adaptation programs.
The summit comes at a critical moment for Africa, which contributes little to global emissions but faces some of the harshest consequences of climate change. Organizers say ACS2 aims to transform Africa’s role from climate victim to climate solutions provider, while strengthening the continent’s negotiating position ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
High-profile attendees include UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Kenyan President William Ruto and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley. Ethiopia and the African Union Commission, as co-hosts, are urging commitments that recognize Africa’s renewable energy potential, carbon sequestration role and mineral wealth essential for the global energy transition.
For Somalia, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, the stakes are especially high. Success in Addis, officials argue, will mean securing targeted and transparent financing that can help reduce displacement, build livelihoods and stabilize communities already under strain from conflict and recurring climate shocks.