Nairobi has been selected as the host city for COP31, the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, making it the first African city to host the world's premier climate summit. The announcement was made by the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn.
The decision to hold COP31 in Africa was widely celebrated across the continent as a recognition of the disproportionate impact of climate change on African nations, which contribute less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions but bear some of the heaviest consequences.
Ghana, which has been a vocal advocate for climate justice at international forums, played a significant role in lobbying for an African host city. The country's delegation to the UNFCCC has been pushing for stronger commitments on Loss and Damage financing, which was agreed in principle at COP28 but has seen slow implementation.
"This is a historic moment for Africa. COP31 in Nairobi will ensure that African voices are at the centre of the global climate conversation," said Ghana's Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
The summit, scheduled for November 2027, is expected to focus on accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement, scaling up climate finance for developing nations, and finalising the rules for the new global carbon market established at COP29.
Kenya's President welcomed the selection, pledging that Nairobi would host "the most inclusive and impactful COP in history." The Kenyan government has already begun infrastructure preparations, including the expansion of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
African civil society organisations have called on the host country to ensure meaningful participation of frontline communities, women, and youth in the negotiations.
