By Abbas Nazil
The African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change, AGN, has demanded the delivery of existing climate finance and adaptation pledges, warning that failure to honour promised support could erode trust ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31.
The Group said developing nations need adequate finance to implement climate policies, build resilience and pursue sustainable development, insisting that climate agreements must translate into practical action.
The position was presented by the Chair of the AGN, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, during virtual informal consultations with the incoming COP31 Presidency on October 14, 2026.
Amoah listed climate finance, adaptation, and climate and development as three priority areas, stressing that the international community must demonstrate commitment to agreements already reached.
He said keeping global warming within 1.5°C depends on equipping developing countries with the means to implement their commitments.
On climate finance, the AGN urged parties to move beyond prolonged negotiations and deliver on obligations, including Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement on provision of finance by developed countries.
He called for progress under the Climate Finance Work Programme agreed in Belém and for a clear commitment to replenish the Green Climate Fund, GCF.
The Group also called for a mandate for the Adaptation Fund board to begin arrangements for its transition to serve the Paris Agreement through the share of proceeds under Article 6.4.
On adaptation finance, the AGN proposed a technical task force to advance work on adaptation indicators, metadata and methodologies, clarifying that it would be a two-year technical process, not a permanent institution.
The Group further called for structured discussions on tripling adaptation finance by 2035 and advancing the Global Goal on Adaptation in line with Articles 9.1, 10 and 11 of the Paris Agreement, noting that clear baselines and financing pathways are needed.
Beyond finance, the AGN stressed linking climate action with development through operationalisation of the Just Transition Mechanism and continuation of the Just Transition Work Programme, proposing a two-tier structure combining technical and political engagement.
On trade, Amoah reaffirmed Africa’s participation in the Climate Change and Trade Dialogue, saying its outcomes should inform a high-level roundtable of the Subsidiary Bodies and remain under the ownership of participating countries.
The Group said it remained ready to work with other delegations to secure meaningful outcomes at COP31, with implementation, finance and trust as key priorities.
