We are united and ready to fight for Africa’s interests at COP31 – AGN Chair

Nearly 200 countries are converging on Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20 to advance the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, amid mounting pressure on world leaders to ensure that climate finance reaches communities hardest hit by climate change.

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), dubbed the “implementation COP,” will focus on translating existing commitments and pledges into tangible climate action to unlock greater resilience, improve health outcomes and create economic opportunities for people.

The African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) has spent the past week in Antalya coordinating and aligning the continent’s priorities ahead of the negotiations.

The preparations have included consultations with UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell and the Chairs of both UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies, providing opportunities to engage on Africa’s priorities ahead of the conference.

The Group’s Chair, Nana Dr Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, has acknowledged that securing agreement on the agenda when the conference opens on Monday will not be easy. However, he says Africa is seeking cooperation to ensure that its proposed agenda items are considered and that the necessary finance is made available for implementation.

Africa is particularly pushing for a tripling of adaptation finance and the replenishment of the Green Climate Fund.

“The agenda items that we have proposed are very important for the survival of our people within the continent, and there is no way we’re going to compromise on them,” said the Chair.

Nana Amoah has emphasised the need for “one Africa, a united voice and a shared ambition for development” in the climate process, as the continent seeks to advance outcomes that respond to its development aspirations.

“We will firmly defend the agenda items we have proposed and work for outcomes that respond to our people’s needs, protect our development aspirations and deliver on climate commitments. Africa’s voice must count, and our priorities must shape the decisions,” Nana Dr Antwi-Boasiako Amoah stated.

The AGN is advocating climate action that supports resilient economies, improves livelihoods and promotes sustainable development, backed by the necessary finance, technology and capacity to deliver meaningful results.

Delegates from across the world are arriving in Antalya, representing national negotiating teams, youth groups, Indigenous Peoples, scientists, civil society organisations and the media.