ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – September 9, 2025 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) reinforced its leadership in climate governance and inclusive green growth at the 2nd Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) by hosting a series of high-level sessions focused on strengthening Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems and advancing inclusive climate planning. 

GGGI convened a flagship session on Building Robust MRV and Data Systems for Africa’s Climate Action, bringing together ministers, technical experts, and development partners to explore strategies for enhancing MRV frameworks across the continent. Opening the session, GGGI Director-General Mr. Sang-Hyup Kim emphasized the importance of MRV systems in ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective implementation of climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. 

“Without accurate data, we cannot plan effectively; without transparency, we cannot build the trust needed to mobilize finance and partnerships. Robust MRV systems are the backbone of climate action and a prerequisite for accessing climate finance,” said Mr. Sang-Hyup Kim. 

In her keynote address, Mariana Panuncio-Feldman, Country Engagement Director at the NDC Partnership, highlighted MRV as a foundational enabler of climate action. She noted that MRV systems are essential not only for demonstrating progress toward NDC targets—both mitigation and adaptation—but also for tracking the mobilization of support, including capacity building, technology transfer, and finance. 

The session featured high-level panelists from across East, North, Southern, and West Africa. Discussions centered on the role of the Enhanced Transparency Framework under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement, country experiences in implementing MRV systems aligned with NDCs and long-term strategies, and key challenges such as limited institutional capacity and lack of standardized data systems. Participants also explored opportunities to leverage digital tools, artificial intelligence, and regional cooperation to strengthen MRV implementation. 

Since 2017, GGGI has supported MRV development in countries such as Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Uganda—helping governments track emissions, improve transparency, and unlock access to climate finance. 

GGGI also hosted a high-level side event on Raising Ambition in NDC 3.0, in collaboration with the NDC Partnership. The session focused on integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into climate planning and implementation to ensure that the green transition is inclusive and equitable. 

“As we prepare for NDC 3.0, our climate responses must be ambitious and inclusive. Through AI-powered tools like the Green Growth Index, GESI Index, and Simulation Tool, we can ensure that climate strategies uplift women, youth, and vulnerable communities,” said Katerina Syngellakis, GGGI Africa Regional Director, while opening the session. 

Dr. Malle Fofana, GGGI’s Deputy Director General (OIC), closed the session emphasizing the importance of inclusion of marginalized groups at all steps of climate policy. “The voices of women, youth, and disadvantaged groups must shape the policies that affect their lives. And we must move from commitment to implementation, from principles to practice,” said Dr, Malle.

The event showcased innovative tools developed by GGGI and featured country experiences from Rwanda, Burkina Faso, and Mexico—reaffirming the global relevance of inclusive governance in climate action. 

These sessions and bilateral engagements underscore GGGI’s role as a trusted partner in delivering transparent, inclusive, and innovative solutions for climate action. By strengthening MRV systems, embedding equity in NDC planning, and fostering strategic collaboration, GGGI continues to support Africa’s leadership in shaping global climate solutions ahead of COP30. 

About Africa Climate Summit 2 

The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) is co-convened by the African Union Commission and hosted by the Government of Ethiopia. It will be held from September 8-10, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The summit’s theme is “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” The purpose of the event is to unify Africa’s position ahead of COP30, advocate for a more equitable global climate finance system, and showcase Africa-led climate solutions. The summit’s official website is Africa Climate Summit 2. 

About the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI): 

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty based inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting developing and emerging countries in their transition to a green growth economic model. GGGI does this by providing policy advice, technical support, and assistance in mobilizing green investments. GGGI has been a partner to the Government of Ethiopia since 2010, contributing to the nation’s ambitious green growth agenda. 

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Media Contact: 

Tesfagebriel Tekola, Ethiopia 

Email: Tesfagebriel.endale@gggi.org  

Phone: +251900080862   

Doyoon Kim, Côte D’Ivoire  

Email: doyoon.kim@gggi.org  

Website: www.gggi.org