AMN Plus-November 9, 2026
Ethiopia’s participation in COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, marks a significant milestone in its growing role in global climate diplomacy. Beyond taking part in international climate negotiations, the country is using the summit as a strategic platform to showcase its green development achievements, strengthen international partnerships, and advance preparations for hosting COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027.
Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie, whose city is set to host COP32, has arrived in Antalya, Türkiye, to participate in the COP31 climate summit. During her visit, the Mayor is expected to engage in discussions with climate negotiators from various countries and international partners, focusing on strengthening cooperation and ensuring a smooth transition from COP31 to COP32.
Scheduled to take place in Antalya from November 9 to 20, 2026, COP31 offers Ethiopia a valuable opportunity to draw lessons from the international climate process and enhance its preparations for the upcoming summit. The engagement is expected to strengthen the country’s capacity in climate negotiations, green finance mobilization, technology transfer, clean energy development, and climate resilience.
Ethiopia’s flagship initiatives, including the Green Legacy Initiative, renewable energy expansion, forest conservation, soil and water protection, and the development of a green economy, represent practical approaches to addressing climate change. These initiatives provide valuable experiences that Ethiopia can share with the international community at COP31 and further advance during COP32.
Addis Ababa, as the host city of COP32, is also expected to showcase its achievements in sustainable urban development and climate resilience. The city’s transformation through riverbank development, corridor development projects, urban greening, modern transport infrastructure, and public recreational spaces demonstrates its commitment to environmental protection and improved quality of life.
Addis Ababa is transforming its riverbanks, once challenged by pollution and environmental degradation, into green spaces that serve as centers for recreation, sports, tourism, and social interaction. Similarly, its corridor development initiatives are integrating modern infrastructure, green spaces, pedestrian-friendly facilities, and people-centered urban services, offering practical examples of sustainable urban transformation. These developments demonstrate how environmental sustainability can be integrated with economic growth, urban modernization, and improved living standards, positioning Addis Ababa as a potential model for sustainable urban development in Africa.
Ethiopia’s selection as the host country for COP32 represents more than the responsibility of organizing a major international conference. It reflects the country’s growing influence in global climate diplomacy, its commitment to green development, and its experience in hosting high-level international events.
The hosting of the Second African Climate Summit in Addis Ababa in 2025 further strengthened Ethiopia’s institutional and organizational experience in climate diplomacy and international cooperation. COP31 is therefore a critical preparatory platform for Ethiopia to strengthen international partnerships, expand access to climate finance and technology, and develop a more comprehensive and action-oriented agenda for COP32.
During the summit, Mayor Adanech, COP32 President-elect and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos (PhD), Finance Minister Fitsum Assefa (PhD), and other members of the Ethiopian delegation are expected to engage with various institutions and international partners to advance the country’s preparations.
The upcoming COP32 summit will provide Ethiopia and Addis Ababa with a major opportunity to present their achievements in green development, environmental sustainability, and urban transformation to the global community.
Hosting COP32 also carries a broader significance for Africa. It will provide an important platform for elevating the continent’s climate priorities, development aspirations, and practical solutions in global climate discussions.
As Ethiopia transitions from COP31 in Antalya to COP32 in Addis Ababa, the experiences and insights gained will serve as a foundation for a successful summit. At the same time, the country will have the opportunity to showcase its green development achievements, share its climate solutions, and contribute to shaping a more sustainable global future.
Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and the Medemer philosophy, Ethiopia continues to advance green development initiatives that demonstrate the potential of practical, inclusive, and sustainable approaches to addressing climate change.
From Antalya to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is preparing not only to host the world but also to bring its green development experiences, climate ambitions, and contributions to global solutions to the forefront of international climate diplomacy.
By Birhanu Workneh
