Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Charting the Pathway for Belem: The Role of African Non-State Actors Reflected

2025 marks a Jubilee year associated with debt cancellation, with economic injustice being recognized as a primary cause of various global crises, including climate change and health issues, particularly between the Global North and South. On February 12, 2025, African non-state actors convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to review the outcomes of COP29.

The convening focused on securing climate justice for Africa in a multipolar world during the Year of Reparations. Participants critically examined the results of the UNFCCC COP29 in Baku to assess Africa’s achievements and shortcomings, as well as the broader implications of these decisions for future climate diplomacy. Through interactive sessions, they reevaluated the evolving geopolitical context and explored how to effectively position Africa’s interests in diplomatic processes related to climate change. Additionally, they discussed pathways for non-state actors to exert influence leading up to Belem, to advance climate and economic justice for the continent.

  During the convening, Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), emphasized the importance of countries strengthening their partnerships. He provided examples of current South-South and North-South collaborations, asserting that Africa deserves to advocate for what rightfully

According to the European Parliament, in 2019, Spain accounted for total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 333 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, representing close to 9% of total EU emissions. The Parliament indicates that between 2005 and 2019, Spain reduced its emissions by almost 27%, well above the EU-wide achievement of a 19% reduction.  Pedro

Priego Fernández-Martos, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Spain, stated that his country continues to contribute to climate justice, with 1% of its budget allocated to climate action and 50% dedicated to global climate

Ms. Beza Berhanu, Programme Officer for Environment and Climate Cluster at the Regional Development Cooperation Africa, representing Joachim Beijmo, Head of Regional Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Ethiopia, emphasized the urgent need for climate finance to enable African countries to address the impacts of climate change. She called for a substantial increase in funding and urged the involvement of the private sector in the process.

There exists a partnership between the African Union and the United Kingdom focused on climate action. This collaboration aims to assist African countries in their transition to low-carbon economies, including initiatives such as funding renewable energy projects, building resilience, and providing technical assistance. It particularly addresses the unique challenges that African countries face due to climate change.

H.E. Adam Drury, UK Ambassador to the African Union, informed participants that his country recognizes that Africa contributes less to global GHG emissions, hence they are partnering with the African Union to address climate change-related challenges, including improving the systems for climate finance flow.

Dr. Amany Asfour, President of the Africa Business Council and Chair of FEMNET, emphasized the crucial role of non-state actors in the pursuit of climate justice. She highlighted that Africa has become a significant burden bearer in the face of climate catastrophes. Dr. Asfour called for increased investment in green and blue economies, as well as in renewable energy. However, she also noted that the journey toward climate action should not overlook the private sector, which she described as being less empowered.