Leaders, journalists, and climate advocates have adopted the Addis Ababa Declaration on Media, Climate, Peace, Security, and Justice, calling for urgent reforms to climate finance and stronger protections for journalists to advance climate action across the continent. ALSO READ: Rwandan minister calls for climate finance reform at Africa summit The declaration was issued at the Pre-Summit Forum to the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), held in Addis Ababa from September 6–7 under the theme “Media as a Catalyst for Africa’s Climate Change, Peace and Security Agenda: Driving Just Transition and Climate Justice.” Convened by the African Union Commission’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) and the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), the forum brought together policymakers, researchers, and media professionals to push for a fairer, more inclusive climate response. The declaration warned that climate change is intensifying insecurity across Africa, driving displacement, food crises, and conflict risks. It urged governments to integrate climate, peace, and security concerns into national and regional strategies and called for the operationalisation of the Common African Position on Climate, Peace and Security. ALSO READ: Kagame calls for sufficient climate finance for Africa The participants stressed that climate finance should be treated as justice rather than charity. They demanded scaled-up, predictable, and transparent funding for adaptation and resilience, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected regions. “Climate finance should not worsen Africa’s debt burden but empower local communities, women, and youth to lead solutions,” the declaration stated. The declaration underscored the role of independent journalism in exposing gaps in climate interventions and holding institutions accountable. It called for investment in training, data access, and protection for journalists reporting from high-risk environments. ALSO READ: Rwanda advocates for doubling of climate change adaptation finance Accurate information, participants said, is essential to prevent disinformation that can fuel conflict and undermine public trust. They endorsed the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change and encouraged AU member states to actively participate. The forum committed to promoting gender equality, supporting youth-led initiatives, and strengthening collaboration between governments, civil society, and the media. Participants urged African governments and international partners to act decisively, scale up climate finance, protect media freedoms, and ensure that just transition strategies safeguard livelihoods and create decent jobs.
