The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is supporting Africa’s participation at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking place from 9 to 20 Nov. 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye.
Through its engagement at the Africa Pavilion, ECA will contribute to advancing the continent’s common climate priorities, strengthening Africa’s voice in global climate negotiations and promoting solutions that align climate action with the continent’s development aspirations.
Despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa continues to bear a disproportionate share of the impacts of climate change. These include rising temperatures, droughts, floods, food insecurity and growing pressures on livelihoods and economies.
At COP31, African countries are expected to press for accessible, adequate and predictable climate finance, effective implementation of Loss and Damage arrangements, increased support for climate adaptation, and a just and equitable energy transition. Other priorities include ensuring fair participation in international carbon markets and reforming the global climate finance architecture and governance system to better reflect Africa’s needs and circumstances.
The continent will also highlight its significant potential to contribute to global climate solutions, including abundant renewable energy resources, critical green minerals, natural carbon sinks and emerging youth-led innovation.
Africa Pavilion: A platform for Africa’s climate priorities
The Africa Pavilion has been a regular feature of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties since COP17, held in Durban, South Africa, in 2011, following a mandate from African Union Heads of State and Government.
It is a collaborative initiative convened by key African institutions, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Union Commission (AUC), ECA and the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD). Following the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in February 2025, Afreximbank was co-opted into the ClimDev-Africa Programme partnership, further strengthening the institutional collaboration supporting the Pavilion.
Situated within the COP venue, the Africa Pavilion provides a strategic platform for African governments, regional and continental institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, youth, private sector representatives and researchers to engage on climate-related issues.
It also facilitates knowledge exchange, showcases African-led climate solutions, promotes partnerships and advances common African positions on climate change and sustainable development.
At COP31, discussions and activities at the Pavilion will focus on key areas of strategic importance to the continent, including climate finance, adaptation, Loss and Damage, resilient food systems, a just energy transition, green industrialization, carbon markets, critical minerals, technology and innovation, and implementation of Africa’s climate commitments.
Through its engagement, ECA will contribute to amplifying African perspectives, fostering dialogue among stakeholders and strengthening partnerships to translate the continent’s climate ambitions into concrete action, investment and development outcomes.
The Africa Pavilion is expected to remain an important focal point for coordinating African climate engagement and demonstrating the continent’s commitment to pursuing climate resilience and sustainable development while advancing climate justice and equity.
