As global climate leaders gather in Belém, Brazil, for COP30, the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access (ACSEA) is prepared to amplify Africa’s voice on two key priorities: achieving universal energy access and mobilizing greater adaptation finance for the continent.
November 17, 2025 – Recognizing Energy Access as a Climate Goal
Side Event | Africa Pavilion | 15:30 – 17:00
In collaboration with the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and the Six30 Campaign, ACSEA will host a high-level side event titled “Recognizing Energy Access as a Climate Goal in the UNFCCC Process.”
This session will focus on one of Africa’s most pressing yet underrepresented climate challenges: energy poverty. More than 630 million people across sub-Saharan Africa still live without access to electricity, while nearly one billion rely on polluting fuels for cooking.
ACSEA believes that universal energy access must be recognized as a central pillar of global climate action. It is not only a development issue but also a matter of justice, adaptation, and resilience. The event will bring together African negotiators, UNFCCC representatives, civil society leaders, and private sector innovators to discuss pathways for integrating energy access into key UNFCCC outcomes, such as the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG). Download Concept Note Here
November 19, 2025 – Mobilizing Youth Power to Increase Adaptation Finance in Africa
Side Event | Room 8 | 15:00 – 16:30
ACSEA’s second side event at COP30 will spotlight the energy and creativity of Africa’s youth in driving climate solutions. Under the theme “Mobilizing Youth Power to Increase Adaptation Finance in Africa,” the session will bring together young leaders, advocates, and policymakers to explore innovative ways to strengthen adaptation financing across the continent.
The discussion will highlight the critical role of youth-led initiatives in advancing locally driven adaptation solutions. ACSEA aims to showcase how young people are already shaping the future of climate resilience in Africa and how their voices can influence global financing mechanisms to better serve communities on the frontlines of climate impacts.
ACSEA’s Goal at COP30
At COP30, ACSEA seeks to reinforce Africa’s leadership and priorities in global climate discussions. The coalition’s mission is to:
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Advocate for the recognition of energy access as a legitimate climate goal under the UNFCCC process.
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Strengthen Africa’s negotiating position on adaptation and climate finance.
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Empower youth to lead transformative action on climate resilience.
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Build stronger partnerships among governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve a just and inclusive energy transition.
Stay Engaged
ACSEA invites all delegates, youth leaders and civil society organizations to stay engaged and connected throughout COP30. Follow our updates from Belém, join the discussions at our side events, and be part of Africa’s united call for energy justice and climate finance.
Join the conversation: #ACSEA@COP30 #EnergyAccessNow #Youth4Adaptation #ClimateJusticeAfrica
