By Albert Oppong-Ansah, GNA
Accra, Nov. 11, GNA – African countries have secured the inclusion of key agenda for discussions at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), following negotiations with developed countries.
The agreement allows parties to discuss the Climate Finance Work Programme, issue African negotiators consider important to securing the financial support developing countries need to tackle climate change.
Nana Dr Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, Chair of AGN speaking to the Ghana News Agency from the on-going COP31 said the group had entered the negotiations with a clear strategy, including efforts to ensure that the climate finance programme was included in the agenda without additional conditions.
He said developed countries initially opposed adopting the agenda with the item included but later agreed to its inclusion.
The AGN, he said rejected the proposed conditions and maintained its position throughout overnight discussions, eventually securing the adoption of the agenda as originally presented.
Nana Dr Amoah said the outcome also provided an opportunity for parties to discuss issues relating to guidance for the Green Climate Fund, particularly as countries prepared for its next funding round.
The discussions, he said, would enable African countries to send a strong message about the importance of replenishing the Fund to support climate action in developing countries.
On climate and trade, Nana Dr Amoah said the discussions had also clarified how countries could participate in the process, including through the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI).
This would provide an opportunity for countries to contribute to the ministerial dialogue scheduled for next year, particular part in discussions on the relationship between climate action and trade.
Nana Dr Amoah said the outcome was important because it gave African countries room to make their views heard in discussions that could affect their economies and climate response efforts.
The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) opened yesterday in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026. The conference has assembled governments, climate negotiators, scientists, civil society organisations, businesses and other stakeholders to discuss global efforts to tackle climate change and agree on measures to address its effects.
COP31 is being hosted by Türkiye, with the country’s Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister, Murat Kurum, serving as the COP President.
Under an arrangement between Türkiye and Australia, Australian Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is leading the formal negotiations. The arrangement followed discussions over the two countries’ competing bids to host the conference.
The conference is taking place at a critical time, as countries face growing pressure to turn previous climate promises into practical action.
Key issues include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing financial support for developing countries, helping vulnerable communities adapt to climate change, expanding access to clean energy and strengthening international cooperation.
A major focus is the implementation of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit the rise in global temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to keep it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Countries are also expected to examine progress in meeting their climate commitments and address gaps in funding and action.
For African countries, climate finance remains a major concern, as many face severe effects of climate change despite contributing relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Their priorities include increased funding for adaptation, support for climate-resilient development, access to technology and resources to implement national climate plans.
Source: Ghana News Agency (GNA)
