Accra is hosting a pivotal three-day meeting of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), bringing together climate experts, UNFCCC National Focal Points, and development partners to consolidate Africa’s stance ahead of the upcoming COP31 in Turkey and COP32 in Ethiopia.
The strategic gathering, running from March 30 to April 1, focuses on Africa’s Common Position, highlighting urgent needs for climate adaptation, finance, and support for “loss and damage” caused by climate impacts. The continent’s minimal emissions juxtaposed with high vulnerability underscore the importance of a coordinated response.
Opening the session, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, CEO of the Environmental Protection Authority, stressed that Africa’s strength in climate negotiations lies in unity. She urged participants to push for predictable climate finance, enhanced adaptation measures, and improved access to technology and capacity-building.
“This is not just a development challenge; it is a matter of equity and climate justice,” she said, highlighting key funds under the UNFCCC, including the Adaptation Fund, Green Climate Fund, and Loss and Damage Fund.
The event marks Ghana’s first time chairing the AGN since signing the UNFCCC in 1992, with Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah assuming leadership. In his address, the AGN Chair emphasized inclusivity, youth engagement, and a forward-looking approach aimed at connecting negotiations across issues and sharpening Africa’s priorities.
Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Baba Issifu Seidu, highlighted the need for Africa to move from a reactive role to actively driving outcomes, especially in areas like the Global Goal on Adaptation, the New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance, and the Mitigation Work Programme.
The meeting combines open dialogues on continental and global engagement with closed sessions to align thematic priorities, draft negotiation positions, and develop an actionable roadmap with clear responsibilities and timelines. Outcomes from the Accra summit are expected to strengthen Africa’s influence in global climate decisions and enhance support for the continent’s climate agenda from 2026 to 2027.
