By Abbas Nazil
Ethiopia has reaffirmed its readiness to host the 32nd United Nations climate change conference of the parties, COP32, positioning the country as Africa’s consensus choice for the 2027 summit.
The bid received endorsement from the Africa Group of Negotiators at the ongoing COP30 in Brazil, reflecting a unified regional backing for Ethiopia to lead the continent on the global climate stage.
Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopia’s minister of planning and development, emphasized that hosting COP32 represents “Africa’s moment for global climate leadership” and highlighted the summit’s strategic importance as it coincides with the midpoint of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) implementation and sets the stage ahead of COP33’s global stocktake.
Assefa noted that COP32 will aim to deliver a robust and meaningful outcome through an inclusive process, ensuring that all stakeholders, including civil society, local communities, and participating nations, have their voices heard.
The early endorsement provides Ethiopia with a strategic advantage, allowing the government to begin critical logistical and technical preparations.
The administration has begun working closely with the UNFCCC secretariat, regional and international parties, and community organizations to ensure the conference is organized efficiently and effectively.
Ethiopia also pledged to cooperate constructively with the presidencies of COP30 and the incoming COP31 to maintain coherence, unity, and heightened ambition throughout the negotiating process.
The African continent is expected to host COP32, following traditional UN practices of rotating the conference among global regions.
While the host country for COP31 has yet to be determined, Ethiopia’s bid was reinforced by the lack of formal submissions from other interested African nations, including Nigeria, which had previously expressed interest but did not submit a formal application.
This selection marks the second time an East African nation will host the high-level climate talks, following Kenya’s hosting of COP12 in 2006, and it underscores Africa’s growing role in international climate diplomacy.
Ethiopia’s leadership is being viewed as a critical opportunity to advance climate action on the continent, build momentum for NDC goals, and strengthen collaboration with international partners.
As preparations proceed, Ethiopia’s government has committed to leading with responsibility, humility, and determination, signaling its readiness to engage all stakeholders in shaping practical climate solutions that will have lasting impacts globally.
The decision further reinforces Africa’s voice in climate negotiations and reflects the continent’s ambition to actively influence global climate policy while demonstrating that African nations can lead high-profile international efforts.
Ethiopia’s hosting of COP32 represents a pivotal moment for the region, providing an opportunity to showcase Africa’s commitment to climate action, foster international collaboration, and ensure that climate policies reflect the priorities and challenges faced by developing countries.
The country’s strategic planning and early engagement with UNFCCC processes aim to ensure COP32 produces actionable outcomes that can accelerate the global response to climate change and highlight Africa’s central role in shaping future climate governance.