Ethiopia has secured continental backing to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2027, following support from the Africa Group of Negotiators (AGN) at COP30 in Brazil. This endorsement positions Ethiopia as Africa’s consensus candidate for the global summit, reinforcing its role in driving climate action on the continent.
Speaking to journalists, Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa, described the upcoming summit as a pivotal opportunity for African leadership on climate issues. “COP32 will be a global platform to tackle the climate emergency, ensuring all voices are heard,” she said.
Assefa noted that the early endorsement gives Ethiopia a head start in preparing for the complex logistics and technical arrangements required for the summit. Coordination has already begun with the UNFCCC secretariat, negotiating parties, civil society groups, and local communities to ensure a smooth and inclusive process.
The minister also emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to working with both the COP30 and incoming COP31 presidencies to maintain consistency and ambition throughout the climate negotiation cycle.
Under the UN’s regional rotation system, Africa is slated to host COP32, marking the second time an East African country will host the event, following Kenya’s COP12 in 2006. No West African nation has ever hosted the summit. While Turkey and Australia are still vying to host COP31, Ethiopia remains Africa’s sole endorsed candidate for 2027.
