Ethiopia Appoints Gedion Timothewos as President-Designate for COP32

Ethiopia has made a significant move in the global climate arena by appointing Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos (PhD) as President-Designate for the upcoming 32nd Conference of the Parties (COP32) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This pivotal event is set to take place in November 2027 in Addis Ababa.

Leadership in Climate Negotiations

As President-Designate, Gedion Timothewos will spearhead the preparations for COP32. His role will involve close coordination with national authorities, UNFCCC bodies, and international partners. The Ethiopian government has expressed its appreciation to UNFCCC member states for selecting Ethiopia as the host for this critical conference.

Importance of COP Conferences

COP conferences serve as the UNFCCC’s supreme decision-making body, bringing together nearly 200 countries to review progress and negotiate global climate action. Key historical milestones at these conferences include the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and the 2015 Paris Agreement. Notably, COP32 will mark the first time a COP conference is held in sub-Saharan Africa since COP14 in Durban, South Africa, in 2009.

Ethiopia’s Strategic Choice

Ethiopia was selected as the host city for COP32 over Lagos, Nigeria, following endorsement by the African Group of Negotiators. The choice of Addis Ababa, home to the African Union headquarters, is strategic, given its history of successfully hosting significant international and climate events.

About Gedion Timothewos

Gedion Timothewos, born in 1978 in Addis Ababa, holds law degrees from both Addis Ababa University and Central European University. He boasts an impressive background, having previously served as Attorney General and Minister of Justice before taking on the role of Foreign Minister in October 2024. As President-Designate, Gedion will handle technical preparations and foster engagement with both UNFCCC bodies and international partners.

Key Preparations for COP32

Preparations for COP32 will include vital discussions on climate finance, adaptation strategies, and mitigation measures. Ethiopia has already initiated technical planning for the conference, collaborating with various national and international stakeholders to ensure meaningful contributions to global climate action.

Conclusion

Ethiopia’s appointment of Gedion Timothewos as President-Designate for COP32 underscores the nation’s commitment to addressing climate change. As the world looks toward November 2027, Ethiopia is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of global climate policy and action.

For further details about the UNFCCC and past COP conferences, visit the UNFCCC official website.