President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Chief Fortune Charumbira, has called on African nations to adopt a more proactive, strategic, and united approach in global climate negotiations.
He made the remarks during a high-level session which was held under the theme, “Elevating the African Union’s Role in Global Climate Leadership”, held on the sidelines of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), currently taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 8 to 10 September 2025.
“The Pan-African Parliament was established to give citizens of the continent a platform to engage in shaping policies that affect their lives,” said Chief Charumbira.
While acknowledging the PAP’s continued participation in COP meetings, he raised concern over the lack of clarity and strength in Africa’s negotiating positions on the global stage.
“Africa’s common positions are often not clearly defined or effectively advanced, leading to limited success in international negotiations.
It is no longer sufficient to simply attend negotiations. Africa must be proactive, strategic, and united in advancing a coherent and ambitious climate agenda,” he said.
Chief Charumbira further urged African stakeholders to move with purpose and clarity towards future climate milestones, such as COP30.
“We must define our roadmaps and expected outcomes, looking ahead, for example, to COP30, and ensure that our positions are clear, credible, and collectively owned.”
He also reaffirmed the founding vision of the African Union, emphasizing the importance of people-centred governance.
“The AU must not only be an ‘AU of governments’ but also an ‘AU of citizens’. All stakeholders must rally around this principle in advancing Africa’s climate leadership,” he said.
The high-level session provided a timely opportunity to reflect on Africa’s role in shaping the global climate agenda and to develop strategies for strengthening the continent’s voice in international climate forums.
The Africa Climate Summit, now in its second edition, aims to inform, frame, and influence climate-related commitments, pledges, and outcomes. It is jointly championed by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Government of Ethiopia.
The Summit promotes Africa-led climate solutions and emphasizes the importance of climate financing strategies that support both adaptation and mitigation, while contributing to green development and resilience building across the continent.
