Ethiopia is poised to host the COP32 climate summit in 2027, with an official announcement expected soon. The development was revealed by André Corrêa do Lago, president of the ongoing COP30 summit in Brazil, as negotiations took shape on the first day of the event.
The decision, backed by the Bureau of African Countries, follows a competitive bid against Nigeria, signaling Ethiopia’s growing diplomatic prominence in global climate discussions. Hosting COP32 would mark a significant milestone for Africa, providing the continent with a platform to advance its climate resilience agenda and highlight the urgent need for climate finance and adaptation measures.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues over the host country for next year’s COP31. Both Australia and Turkey are vying to organize the 2026 summit. Australia’s proposal includes collaboration with the Pacific Island nations, which are among the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world.
If consensus over COP31’s venue remains elusive, the event could default to Bonn, Germany, where the UNFCCC Secretariat is based.
The move to hold COP32 in Ethiopia underscores the global effort to rotate climate talks across regions and ensure equitable representation. It also reflects the growing recognition of Africa’s role in shaping global climate policy as the continent faces some of the most severe consequences of climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions.