President William Ruto has cautioned that climate action risks being sidelined as global priorities shift toward national security and transactional interests, warning that such short-termism undermines Africa’s future.
Speaking at the opening session of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, Ruto decried shrinking development assistance and a world order where “too many assume that for some to win, others must lose.”
“It has never been more urgent for Africa to stand together and demonstrate that collaboration delivers prosperity and peace for all,” he told delegates, stressing that Africa’s economies, weather systems, and very survival are interconnected.
The Kenyan Head of State called for “win-win solutions” and urged the continent to stay on course in building a climate-safe future through innovation and shared commitment.
Highlighting progress since the inaugural summit in Nairobi, Ruto unveiled a report titled “Africa’s Journey of Climate Action and Partnership,” describing it as proof that the summits are not mere events but part of a collective path toward resilience.
He emphasized that accountability must extend beyond Africa to its global partners, whom he said bear responsibility to humanity’s future.
“From this African home of humanity, our ancestors ventured into the world. Today, from this same home, let us offer transformative solutions to preserve the human family,” Ruto declared.
