Day 2 – Non-State Actors’ Strategy for ACS-II Session Title: How best can African non-state actors collaborate with the Government of Ethiopia, AUC and other stakeholders in driving a transformative and impactful #ACSII? This pivotal session convened a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, youth representatives, and the African Union Commission (AUC)—to explore how African non-state actors (NSAs) can shape a truly transformative and people-centered African Climate Summit II (#ACSII). Delegates engaged in candid reflections on the inaugural African Climate Summit (#ACSI), acknowledging its historic nature while highlighting critical gaps. Concerns were raised over the summit’s narrow focus on carbon markets, limited follow-up on pledges—including the $26 billion announced—and the absence of key constituencies such as youth, academia, and grassroots communities. The dialogue called for a strategic shift: from passive participation to genuine collaboration. This includes NSA engagement in setting agendas, contributing to decision-making, and co-drafting declarations. A proposal for a dual-level stocktake was floated—one that assesses both #ACSI and Paris Agreement outcomes, as well as evaluates the contributions and impact of #NSAs themselves. Sector-specific perspectives enriched the discourse: 🔴Youth advocates stressed the importance of formal roles in implementation and planning, and called for early engagement and recognition of platforms such as the African Youth Climate Assembly. 🔴The private sector, represented by the African Business Council, proposed a Business Pavilion at ACS-II and advocated for inclusive access to climate finance—especially for SMEs led by women and youth. 🔴Development partners committed to supporting grassroots participation and championed African-led initiatives. The Government of Ethiopia and AUC reiterated their support for a people-driven summit, encouraging NSAs to be strategic, coordinated, and assertive in shaping the #ACSII narrative. Key recommendations from day 2 proceeding: ✅Institutionalizing NSA engagement through formalized, co-owned platforms. ✅Centering marginalized voices and community-led innovations. ✅Establishing monitoring and accountability mechanisms. Aligning #ACSII outcomes with @_AfricanUnion priorities, including the 2025 theme on reparations and justice. In unison, African non-state actors called for #ACSII to break new ground—by being inclusive, African-led, and results-oriented. The path forward, they insisted, must be rooted in African realities and shaped by those most affected by the climate crisis, African Solutions for African Problems. #AfricaWeWant #EJCampaign #EconomicJustice #ClimateJustice #ClimateAction