Led by Africa Regional Director Peter Alele, FSC's delegation set out to demonstrate the critical value of sustainable forest management in tackling both climate challenges and development opportunities across the continent.
Pre-summit advocacy
In advance of ACS2, on 7 September, the FSC leadership participated in the closing session of the Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA), hosted at Ethiopia’s Adwa Victory Memorial Centre. This influential event brought together leaders, scientists, and policymakers, including Antony Nyong (African Development Bank), Augustine Njamnshi (Pan-Africa Climate Justice Alliance), Mekonnen Seyoum (Ethiopia’s State Minister of Planning & Development), and Claver Gatete (UN Under-Secretary-General, Executive Secretary of Economic Commission for Africa), who all underscored the immense stakes and opportunities for African climate action.
Launch of ACS2: African solutions, global impact
ACS2 officially opened on 8 September, uniting dignitaries, technical experts, and civil society under the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” The FSC team—including Harrison Kojwang (Senior Engagement & Public Affairs Advisor), Israel Bionyi (Senior Regional Communications Manager), and Meseret Shiferaw (Ethiopia Certification Officer)—attended the ceremony and visited Kenya’s Pavilion, where they engaged with delegates and exchanged ideas. The team forged powerful new connections with Kenyan and regional actors, culminating in invitations to join FSC’s side event that evening.
FSC side event: The Zamba Heritage initiative dinner
That night at the Hilton, 35 ACS2 delegates attended FSC's exclusive side event, "A Renewed Focus on Africa’s Forests—The Zamba Heritage Initiative." Peter Alele welcomed guests by highlighting Zamba’s mission: reinvigorating forest management as a linchpin for Africa’s climate future. Harrison Kojwang introduced the Zamba Heritage Congress, scheduled for February 2026, as a pan-African platform for innovation and collaboration. The evening featured a dynamic panel Doris Mutta (Africa Forest Forum), Yemi Katere (FSC Africa Advisory Committee/independent consultant), and Peter Alele, moderated by Ethiopian business expert Eyerusalem Regassa.
Panelists called for a profound shift away from top-down projects, urging that people, especially Indigenous Peoples and local communities, stand at the heart of every climate solution. The panel also stressed aligning Zamba with initiatives such as Tropical Forests Forever and illustrated the direct relevance of FSC-led approaches for climate adaptation and resilience.
Bilateral advocacy and public engagement
On 9 September, advocacy continued as FSC convened with key partners: the African Development Bank, Kenya’s Minister for Environment (Deborah Mlongo Barassa), the Africa Group of Negotiators, and The Nature Conservancy. Discussions included forest finance, nature-based solutions, and Africa’s official stance for COP30. In an interview with Climate Justice Africa Magazine, Harrison Kojwang passionately promoted the continent’s unique ecological heritage, highlighting how FSC’s standards support local prosperity, protect ecosystems, and give a voice to marginalized communities.
Showcasing African forest leadership and building momentum
FSC joined the "African Forests for Climate Resilience: Showcasing Leadership," a side event hosted at the Addis International Convention Center. FSC co-organized the event in partnership with the African Forest Forum (AFF), and the African Union Commission (AUC). Peter Alele’s keynote address delivered an urgent call to action: protect Africa’s forests and foster thriving green economies. He announced FSC’s commitment to strengthening community-based forest protection and outlined fresh strategies to unlock climate finance. The event concluded with invitations to the inaugural Zamba Heritage Congress in 2026. The event drew 36 enthusiastic participants.
Africa’s place in global climate action
ACS2 closed with the Addis Ababa Declaration, affirming Africa’s unified climate position and ambition to raise $50 billion a year for home-grown solutions. As the continent moves toward COP30, FSC’s innovative work, anchored by the Zamba Heritage Initiative, stands as a powerful example of Africa’s capacity to drive global climate resilience and equitable economic growth.