ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – September 8, 2025
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) began the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) with  impactful engagements reinforcing its commitment to inclusive climate action and sustainable development across Africa. Director General Mr. Sang-Hyup Kim participated in the high-level opening ceremony, joining heads of state, government officials, and representatives from international organizations, civil society, and youth communities. 

A key highlight of the day was the Director General Kim’s bilateral meeting with Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director at the World Bank. Their discussion focused on advancing strategic collaboration in climate finance, carbon markets and Article 6 readiness, clean hydrogen and renewable energy, and circular economy and e-mobility solutions. This meeting marked a significant step toward joint action on climate resilience, combining the World Bank’s global reach with GGGI’s technical expertise to unlock innovative financing and scale Africa-led solutions. 

At the GGGI Pavilion, the day continued with vibrant sessions and bilateral meetings. including the launch of the World Food Forum (WFF) Ethiopia Youth National Chapter. This youth-led platform aims to empower young innovators to lead climate-resilient agrifood systems, bridging grassroots solutions with national and continental climate action. The launch was opened by Okechukwu Daniel Ogbonnaya, GGGI Ethiopia Country Director, who emphasized the urgency of youth leadership in climate solutions, stating, “We need to engage more youths in climate discussions and actions—not in the future, but now.” 

The day also featured a session on GGGI Africa’s forestry work, which brought together government officials, development partners, private sector actors, and community representatives. Participants shared experiences in landscape restoration and ecosystem partnerships, with community members from project areas in Ethiopia presenting their stories of mobilization and restoration. Representatives from Ethiopian Forestry Development, Ethiopian Coffee Forest Forum, and the Ministry of Agriculture contributed to the discussion. 

GGGI Africa’s Regional Director, Katerina Syngellakis, held a bilateral meeting with UK Ambassador to Ethiopia and Deputy Permanent Representative to the African Union, Mr. Adam Drury. Their conversation explored potential areas of collaboration to advance climate action and green growth. 

As ACS2 continues, GGGI looks forward to deepening partnerships, showcasing innovative solutions, and amplifying African leadership in climate action. Day Two promises more high-level engagements, technical dialogues, and youth-driven initiatives that will further shape the continent’s green growth trajectory. 

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 https://africaclimatesummit2.et/. 

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 

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