The second African Climate Summit (ACS2) was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from September 8-10, 2025, bringing together leaders, policymakers, business actors, youth and civil society to accelerate Africa’s climate agenda and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the participants was Musinguzi Julius, Programme Officer for the We are Able! (WaA!) initiative, representing National Union for Persons with Disabilities (NUDIPU).
One key session examined the African Union’s (AU) role in global climate leadership. Speakers emphasised the importance of a unified African voice in negotiations and a coordinating mechanism to mobilise the continent. Keynote speaker Torico from GUARD Africa-Ethiopia called for an independent African Climate Change Alliance, while Brian from Ogun Society Foundation urged reforms to AU’s climate mandate, establishment of a Climate Change Council and stronger South-South alliances. The panel, featuring Prof. Osafo, Dr. Lutiga, Ms. Hindu Umar and the Pan-African Parliament president, stressed partnerships between governments and civil society as essential pillars of climate action.
A session on transforming Africa’s food systems focused on agroecology and resilience. Julius raised the crucial question of how innovations include persons with disabilities. Moderator Susan Chomba of the World Resources Institute welcomed further dialogue. Participants highlighted the need for productive, equitable food systems, financing for agroecology, empowering women and youth, stronger research and embedding agroecology in policies. Dr. Cecille Bibian of the African Women Network shared how empowering women to plant fruit trees increased food production and shifted land ownership dynamics.
Discussions on reforming trade and investment frameworks underlined aligning economic growth with climate resilience. Another session explored the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture, energy and risk systems. Julius raised concerns about the accessibility of AI for persons with disabilities and its potential effects on youth creativity.
A session hosted by the African Disability Forum (ADF) with UNICEF and PACJA addressed the intersection of climate change, disability, and gender. It underscored including persons with disabilities in decision-making, project design and funding access, while recognising the diverse needs of disability categories. Julius also spoke on ADF’s priority of capacity building for Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), highlighting WaA!’s success in six African countries — Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda — in strengthening OPDs’ advocacy and policy influence.
ACS2 reaffirmed Africa’s determination to lead in climate action while ensuring inclusivity. For NUDIPU and other partners, the Summit was an opportunity to spotlight disability inclusion as central to building resilient, just and sustainable African societies.
Read our full position paper here: Call for inclusion of persons with disabilities in climate action – We are able