PM Abiy, UNECA Chief Discuss Joint Work Ahead of COP32

Addis Ababa, December 4, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held discussions with Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), on collaborative modalities to advance preparations for COP32, which Ethiopia is set to host in 2027.

In a social media post shared on his pages this morning, the Prime Minister described the engagement as “fruitful,” noting that efforts are underway to ensure the summit becomes “a truly African COP.” “I had a fruitful discussion with the Executive Secretary of UN ECA Claver Gatete on the needs and modalities of working together to deliver a truly African COP in 2027,” he noted.

He expressed confidence that UNECA’s technical expertise and its institutional presence across the continent will play a significant role in the lead-up to the conference. “I am confident that the Economic Commission for Africa with the [Executive Secretary] and his team will contribute immensely in making COP 32 a remarkable success for Africa.”

Ethiopia was endorsed to host COP32 during COP30 in Belém, Brazil, following strong backing from the African Group of Negotiators and broad support from the international community. The country has since emphasized that the event will serve as a platform to amplify Africa’s climate priorities, strengthen global cooperation on adaptation and mitigation, and showcase green‑development initiatives underway within Ethiopia and across the continent.

Preparatory work has already begun at national level. A high‑level Steering Committee convened under the leadership of the Office of the Prime Minister, and the government has appointed Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos as President‑Designate of COP32 to lead coordination efforts. Technical sub‑committees are being formed to manage logistics, infrastructure, and international engagement, ensuring that Ethiopia is ready to host a large-scale global climate conference.

Hosting COP32 offers Ethiopia a major opportunity to highlight its climate‑resilient development initiatives — including clean‑energy expansion, eco‑friendly urban planning, and the internationally recognised Green Legacy Initiative — as tangible examples of sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.