On a bright morning in Addis Ababa, I watched a group of women passionately discuss strategies to tackle local climate challenges. Some shared personal hardships caused by droughts and floods, while others proposed innovative ideas for sustainable farming and renewable energy. Their determination reminded me that real climate solutions begin at the community level, from the ground up.

Over the past months, I facilitated two community training programs: “Empowering Women in Climate Action” and “From Compliance to Global Competitiveness.” The first program equipped women often disproportionately affected by environmental changes with skills, confidence and networks to lead climate initiatives in their communities. The second program helped participants integrate Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies into local enterprises, showing how sustainability can drive competitiveness and resilience.

Both programs reinforced a key insight: environmental and climate solutions thrive when communities are informed, empowered and inclusive. Youth, women and local leaders shared knowledge, co-created strategies and applied practical solutions tailored to local realities. Sharing these experiences on my LinkedIn expanded the reach of these ground-up initiatives and connected me with change makers worldwide.

I was also privileged to be a facilitator at the Africa Smart and Sustainable Cities Investment Summit (ASCIS), held in Addis Ababa.  The summit’s theme was, “Climate-Resilient African Cities: Inclusive Innovation for Sustainable Urban Future.” The summit convened policymakers, investors, innovators and community leaders to advance climate-resilient urban solutions. It highlighted community-led approaches to building climate-resilient African cities including gender-responsive climate solutions, eco-farming innovation and youth leadership amplifying our shared vision for a greener, equitable continent.

These experiences have reaffirmed that environmental and climate solutions grow from empowered communities. When people lead, innovate and collaborate locally, they create lasting impact for a resilient and sustainable future in Ethiopia and beyond.

[Blog preview photo credit: blog author Dr. Kalkidan Esayas]