Ethiopia’s National Steering Committee convened on Thursday to align preparations for hosting the 32nd UN Climate Change Conference (COP32).

Led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the meeting focused on ensuring a coordinated and inclusive approach as the country takes on its responsibilities for this significant global event.

The session underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to collaborative efforts, bringing together national authorities and relevant stakeholders to advance the planning for COP32.

On the occasion, the prime minister emphasized that Ethiopia has embarked on a three-year nation-building journey, aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to meet its own basic needs.

He noted that an infrastructure committee has already been established to guide this effort, highlighting that significant work and resources will be required. “I am hopeful that this will indeed be delivered,” he said.

COP32 is our biggest platform for showcasing Ethiopia’s full potential to the world, he added.

This meeting follows the recent appointment of Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos as President-Designate of the conference.

In this pivotal role, Gedion will oversee preparations while liaising with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) bodies and international partners.

Foreign Affairs Minister for his part, stated at the meeting that COP32 is a global platform of far greater scale, reach, and distinct character than any of the conferences we have previously hosted as a country, whether from the African Union or the UN Food System.

“COP32 is broad, comprehensive, and uniquely its own. We consider it a national project, and beyond that, a project with regional benefits. Ethiopia must host the world in a way that leaves a lasting mark and brings long-term honor and advantage for many generations to come. This is the kind of major conference we are preparing for,” he elaborated.

He said Ethiopia’s COP must be Africa’s COP—showcasing the continent not as a climate victim, but as a leader and source of solutions.

“The COP that Ethiopia organizes should not be just Ethiopia's COP, but the African COP. In this process, we must work to ensure that Africa is not only viewed as a victim of climate change, or as vulnerable to climate change and the crises that may follow. Instead, we must work to make it stand out and be recognized as the center of the solution, the source of the solution, and a continent that provides leadership in delivering solutions.”

The summit is scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa in November 2027, marking a return of the world’s largest annual climate gathering to Africa.

Highlighting its robust infrastructure and international connectivity, Ethiopia is set to welcome over 60,000 delegates from various sectors, including government, civil society, academia, youth organizations, and the private sector.

The country is also leveraging its national climate initiatives, such as the Green Legacy Initiative and extensive renewable energy projects, to showcase its commitment to sustainable development.

As preparations unfold, Ethiopia looks forward to leading discussions on critical climate issues under Gedion’s stewardship, reinforcing its role as a key player in the global climate community.