What's happened
Ethiopia is set to host COP32 in 2027 after regional consensus. The host for COP31 in 2026 remains unresolved, with Australia and Turkey competing. The decision is pending, with Bonn as a possible fallback if negotiations fail. The story highlights ongoing regional disputes and Ethiopia's rising prominence in climate diplomacy.
What's behind the headline?
Ethiopia's confirmed hosting of COP32 signals Africa's rising influence in global climate negotiations, especially as Ethiopia is seen as a regional leader. The ongoing deadlock over COP31's host reveals deep divisions within the Western Europe and Others group, risking a rare default to Bonn, which would undermine the regional rotation principle. The dispute underscores the strategic importance countries place on hosting such summits, as it offers a platform to shape climate agendas and showcase national priorities. The unresolved conflict may delay critical climate negotiations, potentially impacting global climate action timelines. The outcome will likely influence future regional cooperation and the perceived fairness of the UN climate process, with Ethiopia's role possibly elevating Africa's voice in climate governance.
What the papers say
All Africa reports Ethiopia's formal endorsement for COP32 and details the regional consensus, emphasizing Ethiopia's rising prominence. SBS highlights the ongoing dispute between Australia and Turkey for COP31, noting the potential for the summit to be held in Bonn if the deadlock persists. Reuters and The New Arab provide insights into the regional negotiations, with Reuters quoting officials who see Ethiopia's hosting as a sign of Africa's growing influence, while The New Arab underscores the strategic importance of Ethiopia's bid. The articles collectively reveal a complex geopolitical landscape, where regional interests and diplomatic negotiations are shaping the future of global climate summits. The coverage from multiple sources underscores the significance of these decisions for regional and global climate diplomacy.
How we got here
The decision to host COP32 in Ethiopia was reached through regional consensus during COP30 in Brazil, where Ethiopia was endorsed over Nigeria. The selection of the host for COP31 in 2026 is complicated by a dispute between Australia and Turkey within the Western Europe and Others group. Ethiopia's bid for COP32 reflects its growing role in regional climate leadership, while the unresolved COP31 host reflects broader geopolitical tensions among Western European nations.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Was Ethiopia Chosen to Host COP32 in 2027?
Ethiopia's selection as the host for COP32 in 2027 marks a significant milestone in global climate diplomacy. The decision was backed by regional support and highlights Ethiopia's strategic importance in Africa's climate efforts. But what does this mean for the future of climate negotiations, and why was Ethiopia the standout choice? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this historic event.
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Why Is There a Delay in Choosing the Host for COP31?
The selection process for hosting COP31 has hit a snag, with regional disagreements and diplomatic negotiations causing delays. This has raised questions about what’s causing the hold-up and what it means for future climate action. Below, we explore the key issues behind the delay, the countries involved, and the potential impact on global climate policies.
More on these topics
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Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeastern Europe.
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Ethiopia, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It shares borders with Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, South Sudan to the west and Sudan to
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.
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Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At 8.5 million square kilometers and with over 211 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area and the sixth most
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Bonn (German pronunciation: [bɔn] ) is a federal city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, located on the banks of the Rhine. With a population exceeding 300,000, it lies about 24 km (15 mi) south-southeast of Cologne, in the southernmost part.
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Addis Ababa or Addis Abeba, also known as Finfinne, is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. According to the 2007 census, the city has a population of 2,739,551 inhabitants.