Africa and Europe Deepen Climate Diplomacy Ahead of COP32

In Bonn, Germany, on the sidelines of the 64th SB meetings, African and European climate leaders, negotiators, civil society organizations (CSOs), policymakers, and experts gathered to strengthen cooperation and chart a common path toward COP32 and a renewed Africa-Europe climate partnership.

The high-level convening, co-hosted by the Africa-Europe Foundation (AEF), the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance, and the African Union Commission, brought together representatives from the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), European Union institutions, climate envoys, civil society organizations, multilateral institutions, and philanthropic organisations.

Held under the theme “Fostering Africa-Europe Climate Diplomacy and Cooperation: On the Road to COP32 and Strengthened Africa-Europe Climate Partnership,” the meeting emphasized the growing significance of strategic collaboration between the two continents in addressing the global climate crisis.

Among the participants were Diana Acconcia, Director for International Affairs and Climate Finance at the European Commission; Felix Wertli, Ambassador for the Environment and Head of International Affairs; Hanna Habebed, Chief Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia (COP32 Presidency); Jette Michelsen, Climate Negotiator to the UNFCCC and Chief Advisor, Department of Green Diplomacy and Climate, Denmark; and Jori Keijsper, Acting Climate Envoy and Head of Delegation to the UNFCCC for the Netherlands.

The event was also attended by Mattias Frumerie, Director for International Affairs and Climate Finance at the European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action; Climate Ambassador, Sweden; Orla Kilcullen, Adaptation Lead and Deputy Director of Irish Aid; Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of Labour, Employment and Migration at the Directorate of Humanitarian Affairs and Health Services, African Union Commission (AUC); Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA); and many other dignitaries.

Participants acknowledged that the international climate landscape is becoming increasingly complex due to geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, security concerns, and the growing demand for climate finance and adaptation support. In light of this, speakers emphasized that stronger Africa-Europe cooperation will be essential for maintaining momentum toward the goals of the Paris Agreement and delivering meaningful climate action.

The discussions focused on key challenges facing the partnership, including declining political attention to climate action in some regions, fragmentation of multilateral processes, and persistent trust gaps regarding climate finance commitments and equitable partnerships. The convening highlighted that climate diplomacy has evolved beyond traditional development cooperation; it is now a strategic geopolitical and economic priority.

For Africa, stronger partnerships can unlock climate finance, facilitate technology transfer, build resilience, and provide greater influence in global negotiations. For Europe, collaboration with Africa supports clean industrial transformation, enhances supply chain resilience, and promotes leadership in green technologies.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both continents to explore areas of convergence and divergence concerning climate action, adaptation, climate finance, and green industrialisation. They also examined opportunities to develop shared narratives and common positions that can strengthen their collective influence in upcoming international negotiations.

Participants concluded the event with a commitment to translate dialogue into action, identifying practical pathways for cooperation and recommendations to guide engagement ahead of COP31, COP32, and future AU-EU ministerial meetings. Emphasizing the need for a stronger Africa-Europe climate partnership, they recognised that such collaboration is critical for achieving ambitious and equitable climate outcomes while advancing shared prosperity, resilience, and sustainable development.