Ethiopia has been selected to host the 2027 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32), edging out Nigeria’s bid to secure the influential role that will allow it to shape global climate negotiations and outcomes.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a plenary session at COP30, currently taking place in Belém, Brazil.
Ethiopia’s selection, which received the endorsement of all African nations, means the 2027 summit will take place in Addis Ababa marking a major diplomatic victory for the Horn of Africa nation.
Ethiopia’s ambassador to Brazil, Leulseged Tadese Abebe, expressed gratitude for the continental support, describing the endorsement as a vote of confidence in Ethiopia’s climate leadership.
“We are deeply grateful for the trust and confidence bestowed on the Ethiopian people and government,” he said. “COP32 will play a major role in guiding climate action in this critical decade.”
The COP host nation automatically assumes the presidency of the conference, giving it the authority to shape the agenda, highlight domestic climate priorities, and mediate disputes among participating countries.
While Ethiopia’s hosting of COP32 is now virtually confirmed pending formal adoption, attention has shifted to the unresolved bid for COP31, scheduled for 2026.
Australia and Turkey remain in contention for that slot under the “Western Europe and Others” regional grouping.
Australia, which submitted its bid in partnership with the Pacific Island nations some of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world is seeking to use the platform to push stronger global commitments for small island states.
Turkey, however, has maintained its claim, causing a prolonged stalemate.
If the deadlock persists, officials say the 2026 summit could be held in Bonn, Germany, where the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat is headquartered.
“We would have to, but we do not want to,” said Germany’s State Secretary for Environment, Jochen Flasbarth, urging for a quick resolution.
For Nigeria, which had lobbied strongly to bring the global climate summit to West Africa for the first time, Ethiopia’s victory underscores the growing competition among African nations for climate leadership roles and the increasing importance of regional solidarity in climate diplomacy.
The 2027 COP32 in Addis Ababa is expected to serve as a key moment for advancing Africa’s voice on global climate finance, adaptation, and loss and damage critical issues shaping the continent’s response to the escalating climate crisis.
By Dare Akogun
