Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Kenyan President William Ruto today called on African nations to view climate action as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation, not just a burden.
In his address at the opening of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, President Ruto urged the continent to stand together, pointing out that “isolation is not a winning strategy; it is causing failure.”
He recalled the shift in perspective initiated by the inaugural summit in Nairobi, where Africa was framed “as a continent of opportunity and source of solution, not just a victim.”
Ruto praised the progress made since then, with Africa’s voice being heard and its solutions—from green infrastructure to climate-smart agriculture—being deployed.
The President stressed the importance of unity in a rapidly changing world.
“Global interconnectedness is deepening, but so too is the temptation to retreat into narrow self-interest,” he stated, warning that commitments are often broken and international solidarity is dismissed.
“The truth is undeniable. No nation can solve this crisis alone,” the president reiterated.
According to Ruto, realizing the vision of “climate-positive growth” requires action on two fronts. “Africa must exercise its agency precisely, urgently, and the international system must dismantle the structural barriers that continue to hold the continent back.”
He called for reforms to the global financial system to lower the cost of capital and mobilize private investment, arguing that it is in the world’s self-interest to support Africa’s climate goals.
The President urged for unity and shared destiny. “Our economies, our weather systems, and our very survival are interconnected,” he said. “We must focus on win-win solutions because they do exist… Africa will drive global climate action and shape a sustainable, prosperous future for us and for everyone.”
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