Key points: African negotiators have endorsed Ethiopia to host the 2027 UN climate summit (COP32), a decision announced during COP30 in Belém and expected to be ratified before the conference ends on November 21. Addis Ababa — seat of the African Union — has experience hosting major diplomatic events, though Ethiopia faces drought and renewed regional tensions that may affect preparations. Separately, the 2026 COP31 host remains deadlocked between Australia (Adelaide) and Turkey (Antalya); failure to agree would force an unprecedented default to Bonn.
Ethiopia Endorsed to Host 2027 UN Climate Summit as 2026 Host Remains Deadlocked
Key points: African negotiators have endorsed Ethiopia to host the 2027 UN climate summit (COP32), a decision announced during COP30 in Belém and expected to be ratified before the conference ends on November 21. Addis Ababa — seat of the African Union — has experience hosting major diplomatic events, though Ethiopia faces drought and renewed regional tensions that may affect preparations. Separately, the 2026 COP31 host remains deadlocked between Australia (Adelaide) and Turkey (Antalya); failure to agree would force an unprecedented default to Bonn.
07:29 AM, 11/12/2025Environment
Ethiopia Endorsed to Host COP32 in 2027
Delegates at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, heard on the conference's second day that the Africa Group of Negotiators has endorsed Ethiopia to host the 2027 UN climate summit (COP32). Richard Muyungi, chair of the Africa Group, told AFP the bloc "has endorsed Ethiopia," and the COP30 Brazilian presidency confirmed the selection to AFP. The choice still requires formal ratification by delegates before the conference concludes on November 21, but observers say that step is likely to be procedural.
Why Addis Ababa?
Addis Ababa, the seat of the African Union (AU), is experienced at hosting major diplomatic gatherings and is positioning itself to elevate Africa's climate priorities on the global stage. "We welcome the announcement of COP32 in Ethiopia and look forward to elevating Africa's climate priorities and leadership," said Rukiya Khamis, Africa senior organiser at the NGO 350.org. Ethiopia's ambassador to Brazil, Leulseged Tadese Abebe, told a plenary session that preparations have already begun: "We look forward to welcoming all of you to Addis Ababa for COP32."
Country profile: strengths and challenges
Ethiopia is one of Africa's largest countries by population (about 130 million) and has promoted high-profile environmental measures, including a government ban on imported internal combustion engine vehicles and ambitious tree-planting pledges. At the same time, the country faces serious humanitarian and security challenges. According to the African Union, the conflict in Tigray resulted in at least 600,000 deaths between 2020 and 2022 and spilled into the Afar region. Recent weeks have seen renewed tensions between Tigray and Afar alongside a deterioration in relations with Eritrea — issues that will be important background for hosting an international summit.
Rotation system and the COP31 deadlock
UN climate conferences rotate among five regional groups, which must reach consensus on a host country from within their bloc. That process can be competitive and sometimes contentious. This year Brazil is hosting COP30 for the Latin America and Caribbean group, while Africa's turn is slated for 2027.
By contrast, the host for COP31 in 2026 remains unresolved. Australia (proposing Adelaide) appears to have significant support, but Turkey (proposing Antalya) has not withdrawn its bid. Both countries are members of the "Western Europe and Other States" group, which must agree a single candidate by consensus. Negotiations are ongoing in Belém; if the group cannot reach a decision, COP31 would default to the UN Climate Change secretariat's hub in Bonn, Germany — a scenario unprecedented in the history of the conferences.
What to watch
- Formal ratification of Ethiopia as COP32 host before COP30 concludes.
- Progress on preparations in Addis Ababa and how local security and humanitarian dynamics are managed.
- Whether the Western Europe and Other States group resolves the COP31 host dispute, or whether the meeting defaults to Bonn.
Bottom line: Ethiopia's endorsement to host the 2027 summit spotlights Africa's role in climate diplomacy, but the unresolved bids for 2026 highlight tensions in the regional rotation system and pose an unusual governance challenge for the UN climate process.