COP32 expected to bring up to 80,000 participants to Ethiopia – Planning & Dev’t Minister

Addis Ababa, April 18, 2026 (FMC) — The 32nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP32) is expected to bring up to 80,000 participants to Ethiopia, Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa (PhD) said.

During a meeting of the COP32 National Steering Committee convened by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday, the Minister presented a briefing on the work of the content and negotiation task force and the progress achieved so far in preparations.

She stated that necessary preparations are being undertaken to facilitate negotiations and other activities under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. According to her briefing, COP32 is expected to bring together delegates from around the world to deliberate and make decisions on the future of global climate action under one platform.

The Minister said preparations are underway to accommodate between 60,000 and 80,000 participants from 196 countries.

She further explained that participants will include representatives from the private sector, financial institutions, youth groups, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders.

Describing the scale of the conference, she noted that COP32 is a large and complex global event, and preparations are being tailored accordingly to meet its requirements.

Ms. Fitsum also emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, stating that all stakeholders should fulfill their roles to ensure the successful hosting of COP32 through strong cooperation, a unified vision, and joint commitment.