As world leaders prepare for the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Antalya, Türkiye, the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) has outlined its key priorities for the conference. Central to their agenda is a push for enhanced climate finance, with a particular emphasis on the ambitious replenishment of the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
Nana Antwi-Boasiako, Chair of the AGN, highlighted the need for adequate and predictable financing, especially in the form of grant-based and concessional funding, during pre-COP31 meetings. The AGN represents all 54 African nations at the UNFCCC and will negotiate collectively at COP31, where Nigeria will be part of the discussions under this coalition.
Antwi-Boasiako remarked that African nations are seeking stronger financial commitments to support their climate action strategies and adaptation initiatives. He noted significant advancements in the framework for implementing the Paris Agreement, including the development of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans. However, he stressed that insufficient financing continues to hinder the full execution of these commitments.
The Chair raised critical questions about where the necessary financial resources will come from, urging for increased financial ambition from developed nations in fulfilling their commitments. The AGN has submitted proposals aimed at tripling adaptation finance and bolstering the GCF as essential steps to enhance climate action in Africa.
This year’s COP31 aims to consolidate climate pledges into action, operating under an arrangement where Türkiye hosts while Australia leads the negotiations. With the theme “Where Dialogue Becomes Global Action,” the summit intends to encourage practical implementation of climate agreements.
Additionally, the AGN is advocating for the preservation of existing financial obligations of developed countries under the Paris Agreement. Antwi-Boasiako articulated the group’s stance that while Africa is open to expanding the contributor base for climate financing, it must not dilute the responsibilities of developed countries.
Recent policy decisions by the Green Climate Fund Board regarding grant-based funding and expanding the contributor base are also pivotal for the upcoming replenishment. The African Group aims to highlight disparities between developed and developing nations around climate finance, as geopolitical tensions and economic challenges are cited as reasons for hesitancy in increasing financial contributions.
The AGN is also pursuing discussions on the Just Transition Mechanism, emphasizing that any strategy must account for the unique developmental context of African nations. Antwi-Boasiako warned against risking economic stability through transitions away from fossil fuels without adequate considerations for development needs.
As climate and trade relations come under scrutiny, the AGN seeks to negotiate measures that address potential unilateral trade actions that could harm developing countries. Furthermore, the group is focused on enhancing the participation of young Africans in climate negotiations to secure a robust future for advocacy in climate matters.
This approach sets the tone for COP31 and is seen as crucial for strengthening Africa’s negotiating position ahead of the next climate conference, COP32, which is to be held in Ethiopia.
