Addis Ababa will host the 32nd United Nations Climate Conference (COP32) in 2027, having secured the support of African countries during COP30, currently taking place in Belém, Brazil, amid competition from Nigeria’s bid.
This designation grants Ethiopia a central role in shaping the agenda and priorities of the summit, allowing it to influence international negotiations and facilitate compromise among participating states. Ethiopian Ambassador to Brazil, Leulseged Tadese Abebe, emphasized that “COP32 will play a key role in steering climate action during this crucial decade.”
Traditionally, the presidency of a COP gives the host country the opportunity to set priority themes and guide discussions, a privilege confirmed by regional consensus prior to formal United Nations approval. This geographic rotation positions Ethiopia as a strategic player in the global climate process.
Meanwhile, the host country for COP31, scheduled for 2026, has yet to be determined. Australia and Turkey are in contention, but no agreement has been reached within the “Western Europe and others” regional group. In the absence of consensus, the conference may exceptionally be held in Bonn, Germany, home to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat.
This year, COP30 is taking place in Brazil, representing Latin American and Caribbean countries, in a region that holds symbolic significance in the fight against global warming.