Addis Ababa, November 9, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia is mobilizing international partners and building momentum for COP32 through its engagement at the ongoing 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, Foreign Minister and COP32 President-Designate Gedion Timothewos (PhD) disclosed.
In an interview with Ethiopian media in Antalya, the minister outlined the country’s priorities at COP31, emphasizing the importance of working with the Turkish and Australian presidencies to ensure that the current negotiations produce constructive outcomes and establish a strong foundation for COP32.
He identified engagement with potential COP32 partners as another major objective, noting Ethiopia’s intention to build common understanding, exchange views and strengthen cooperation around its vision and priorities for the conference.
Ethiopia is also using its participation and activities at COP31 to generate greater international anticipation for COP32, expand its partnerships and encourage broad participation in the summit scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa in November 2027.
The minister explained that the country’s presence at the conference provides an opportunity to introduce Ethiopia’s wider climate action efforts to the international community and raise awareness of its initiatives and contributions to addressing climate change.
Through discussions, forums and other activities at the Ethiopia Pavilion, the country also seeks to offer participants an early experience of its preparations and hosting approach, building interest in next year’s global climate conference.
Regarding preparations, Gedion noted that Ethiopia had already undertaken substantial groundwork, including advance planning, the formation of a dedicated team, experience-sharing and the commencement of practical activities.
He added that the Ethiopian team participating in COP31 was gaining firsthand experience of the operational and organizational arrangements behind a major climate conference, including how activities are coordinated, managed and implemented.
The minister expressed appreciation to the COP30 Presidency and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for facilitating the team’s practical exposure to the behind-the-scenes processes of hosting the global climate conference.
Ethiopia is scheduled to host COP32 in Addis Ababa in November 2027, following COP31 in Antalya, which runs from November 9 to 20, 2026.