Addis Ababa, November 11, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia has been confirmed to host the 2027 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32), positioning the country at the centre of global climate diplomacy and reinforcing Africa’s role in shaping international climate policy.
The announcement came during the opening days of COP30, currently underway in Belém, Brazil, where participating countries endorsed Ethiopia’s bid and agreed in principle for Addis Ababa to host the summit. Formal adoption is expected on Tuesday.
Ethiopia’s bid, launched in September, received unanimous backing from the Bureau of African Countries, enabling the nation to advance as the continent’s candidate. The decision secures a significant diplomatic achievement not only for Ethiopia, but also for Africa’s collective climate agenda.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had earlier signalled Ethiopia’s ambition to host the conference, using his remarks at the 2nd Africa Climate Summit held in Addis Ababa in September 2025 to reaffirm the country’s readiness to welcome the world.
At the time, he emphasized Ethiopia’s growing climate leadership and expressed confidence that the nation was prepared to host the global gathering if given the opportunity. With the confirmation now in place, that invitation stands realised.
Building on the outcomes of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2), Ethiopia reaffirms its strong commitment to climate action and sustainable development.
COP summits rotate across world regions, and Ethiopia’s selection is expected to elevate Africa’s demand for climate finance, resilience, and fair implementation mechanisms. Hosting COP32 will draw thousands of policymakers, climate negotiators, international organisations and global observers to Addis Ababa, enhancing Ethiopia’s diplomatic profile and soft-power influence.
Ethiopia’s bid competed with Nigeria, with the African bloc ultimately rallying behind Addis Ababa. The summit is projected to reinforce ongoing national and regional climate initiatives, while bringing international visibility to homegrown efforts in adaptation, renewable energy, forest restoration and environmental protection.
Meanwhile, discussions continue regarding the host of COP31 in 2026, under the rotation of the Western Europe and Others Group. Australia and Turkey remain in contention, with the decision stalled for several months. COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago has urged member countries to break the impasse. Should no agreement emerge, the 2026 conference may default to Bonn, Germany, home of the UNFCCC secretariat.
Ethiopia’s selection for COP32 marks a historic milestone for the nation and the continent, reflecting growing recognition of Africa’s climate priorities and its role in advancing equitable global climate governance.
Under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, Ethiopia has registered significant successes in climate action. The Green Legacy Initiative has mobilised massive nationwide tree-planting campaigns, resulting in over 48 billion trees planted since the initiative’s inception in 2019 and positioning Ethiopia as a global model for reforestation.
The country has expanded renewable energy generation, particularly in hydropower, solar, and wind, supporting climate-resilient development and reducing carbon emissions.
Under PM Abiy Ahmed’s reform-driven government, Ethiopia has also advanced major adaptation programmes in watershed rehabilitation, climate-smart agriculture, environmental protection, and sustainable land management, reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s leading champions of green growth and climate leadership.