Bonn Climate Talks: Africa demands urgent action, restored trust and real delivery as SB64 concludes

The African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) has called for greater urgency, stronger political commitment, and renewed trust in the multilateral climate process as the 64th sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) concluded in Bonn, Germany.

 

Speaking during the closing plenary, AGN Chair, Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, expressed concern that some Parties appear to be postponing substantive climate ambition until the second Global Stocktake (GST) in 2028, warning that such delays are inconsistent with the realities facing the vulnerable population of more than 1.6 billion people across Africa.

“For Africa, that is not an option. Antalya and Addis Ababa must deliver meaningful progress. Climate impacts are already affecting our people, our economies, and our development prospects. We must act now," he stated.

Describing adaptation as Africa's most important climate priority and the principal mechanism for strengthening resilience to worsening climate impacts, the AGN Chair stressed the need for discussions on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) to remain transparent, inclusive, Party-driven and grounded in genuine negotiations. 

"If we are serious about implementation, then we must equally be serious about protecting the integrity, transparency and Party-led nature of the negotiations that underpin it."

Climate finance is the life blood of climate action, and it continues to be the centre of attention at the negotiations. Amid declining climate finance flows, the AGN has expressed concern over uncertainty regarding future support, and geopolitical tensions that are widening the climate finance gap for developing countries. 

The AGN Chair therefore called for renewed commitment to the Climate Finance Work Programme and urged developed countries to demonstrate greater urgency in delivering climate finance commitments, including the agreed tripling of adaptation finance.

"Climate finance remains the foundation of trust in this process. Without adequate, predictable and accessible support, implementation gaps will continue to grow," said Nana Dr. Amoah, further expressing disappointment that political considerations continue to delay the transition of the Adaptation Fund to receive proceeds from Article 6.4 carbon market activities, potentially limiting resources available for adaptation.

On the Just Transition, the AGN Chair reiterated that Africa's understanding of a just transition begins with development, poverty eradication, industrialisation, energy access and decent work.

"Progress on just transition is patchy. We are concerned about the limited progress on operationalising the Just Transition Mechanism. We have three separate mandates, and they must be treated in a balanced manner. Intersessional work should therefore focus on the Just Transition Mechanism to restore that balance. For Africa, just transition means development first. Africa cannot be left at the margins of the global transition."

Looking Ahead to COP31

As negotiations move towards COP31 in Antalya and subsequent discussions in Addis Ababa next year, the African Group has emphasised that developing countries are already demonstrating ambition and commitment to climate action. What remains lacking, the Group noted, is adequate support to overcome implementation barriers.

"The world does not need promises deferred to 2028. It needs action now. Africa remains committed to constructive engagement and to advancing solutions that protect people, strengthen resilience and support sustainable development," said the AGN Chair.

 

Bonn Climate Talks: AGN advances inclusive African women’s climate agenda within global governance

Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN), Dr. Nana Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, has called for a stronger, more coordinated African women’s agenda within global climate governance.

 

Engaging members of the Women and Gender Constituency at the sidelines of the UN climate negotiations in Bonn, Germany, he emphasized that Africa’s climate and development priorities cannot be fully achieved without deliberately elevating women’s voices and dismantling structural barriers to participation and implementation.

 

“Africa has more women than men, and women have unique circumstances and issues that need to be prioritised,” he noted, underscoring the need for unity and strategic engagement to strengthen Africa’s negotiating power.

 

The meeting served as a platform for direct dialogue with women negotiators and practitioners, aimed at informing AGN’s advocacy at the highest level of climate decision-making.

 

Key outcomes from the engagement included a call for coordinated action for African women to organise around shared positions and develop collective policy inputs to strengthen influence in negotiations.

 

Concerns were also raised about limited climate finance that continues to undermine gender equality commitments and local-level impact. Strong emphasis was placed on ensuring resources reach grassroots women most affected by climate change.

 

Participants highlighted the underrepresentation of African women in international climate institutions and decision-making bodies.

 

Calls were made for expanded training, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing to support emerging women negotiators across Africa.

 

Dr. Amoah reaffirmed AGN’s commitment to inclusive engagement and merit-based representation, while also supporting improved pathways for women’s participation in climate governance processes.

 

The discussions also reflected broader concerns around transparency in recruitment within climate institutions and the need for better data on African women’s representation in global climate structures.

 

As Africa advances its climate agenda, participants stressed that empowering women is not only a matter of equity, but also a strategic necessity for effective and credible climate action.

 

Bonn Climate Talks: COP31 Presidency announces “35% by 2035” electrification target

COP31 President-Designate Murat Kurum has launched a new global electrification target as a flagship initiative of the COP31 Presidency’s Action Agenda, calling for a major acceleration in the shift from direct fossil fuel use to clean electricity across buildings, transport and industry.

 

This comes as part of a wider package of non-negotiated Action Agenda initiatives and targets announced by the COP31 President-Designate.

 

Speaking to delegates at the Bonn Climate Change Conference, Mr. Kurum, who is Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, proposed a collective global goal to increase the share of final energy demand met by electricity from just over 20% today to 35% by 2035.

 

“By electrifying daily life, from transport to buildings and industry, we can protect families and businesses from volatile energy markets. This “35% by 2035” target will be one of the defining priorities of our COP31 Presidency. On the road to COP31 in Antalya, we will work to bring together a strong global coalition that is ready and determined to act in support of this objective,” said Murat Kurum.

 

The COP31 Presidency also committed to building a global coalition to implement actions towards achieving this target.

 

The target is based on analysis from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and is designed to support implementation of the Paris Agreement and help keep the world on a pathway consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

 

During a presentation on the Presidency’s Action Agenda, Mr. Kurum also announced other targets, including a goal of halving the growth in global waste by 2035. This ambition is part of COP31’s thematic focus on achieving zero waste. Food waste in particular accounts for 10% of global emissions, primarily through methane, which is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.

 

The COP31 Presidency also introduced a new global target under its Resilient Cities priority, to reduce energy consumption intensity in the building sector by at least 25% by 2035. This is an important step in protecting families and businesses from rising energy costs.

 

In addition, Mr. Kurum also shared details on new initiatives and targets being developed by the Presidency. These include critical topics such as food security, circular materials in manufacturing and climate education.

 

He also shared further details on the Climate Implementation Bridge, which will support countries by improving the link between national climate, economic and development priorities, helping finance reach the ground more rapidly and with greater impact.

 

In support of the electrification target, the COP31 Presidency, in partnership with Australia, has commissioned the IEA to deliver special reports to map out pathways to achieving the “35x35” target and to analyse the benefits of halving waste growth and boosting circular waste management systems.

 

This follows the COP31 Presidency’s existing work with IRENA to identify how electrification can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

 

“Electrification has already sparked a global surge in clean energy, driving growth and jobs. Rewiring the global economy is crucial to kick the world’s addiction to coal, oil and gas, to bring energy costs down, and to restore energy security. Now’s the time to step up the pace and scale of electrification, as the current fossil fuel cost crisis shows so painfully,” said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC. “So too, more resilient and energy-efficient cities and cutting waste are key to tackling the climate crisis which is already hitting every economy and global supply chains, and driving up inflation. The Brazilian COP30 Presidency introduced the alignment of the Action Agenda with the first Global Stocktake outcomes, setting six thematic axes — and the incoming Turkish presidency, working with Australia, is to be commended for building on that progress.”

 

The Bonn Climate Change Conference is taking place from 8–18 June 2026 and is an annual meeting of negotiators from Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, ahead of the annual COP summit, which will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, this November.

 

Bonn Climate Talks: Ghana takes the floor on behalf of the African Group of Negotiators

The UN June Climate Meetings has opened in Bonn, Germany, with Ghana taking the floor on behalf of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) to deliver interventions on climate adaptation, finance, and governance.

 

As negotiations opened at the 64^th Sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the AGN has called for a more responsive, equitable and implementation-focused climate process.

 

Delivering the Group’s statement during the Joint SBI–SBSTA Opening Plenary, AGN Chair, Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to constructive engagement.

 

He expressed concern over growing climate risks facing Africa, citing recent forecast of likely El Niño conditions and warning that worsening climate impacts threaten livelihoods and development gains across the continent.

 

“About a week ago, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) issued a warning of an 80 per cent likelihood of El Nino conditions during June-August 2026, with probabilities for continuation to at least November near or above 90 per cent, and most models suggesting at least moderate and possibly strong conditions,” said Nana Dr. Amoah. “For Africa, already burdened by severe climate impacts, a warning of worsening conditions spells catastrophe. It is of grave concern to all of us, and yet – in a process claiming urgency – we do not even have agenda items on Loss and Damage, or on National Adaptation Plans. We find a process that is insensitive to Africa's situation deeply worrying.”

 

The AGN Chair questioned the absence of agenda items on Loss and Damage and National Adaptation Plans, stressing that climate negotiations must remain responsive to countries experiencing severe climate impacts.

 

Formally called the 64^th sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies under the UNFCCC (SB64), the UN June Climate Meetings are where the agenda takes shape for the UN Climate COP in November each year, this November in Antalya, Türkiye (COP31).   

 

They are held annually at the World Conference Center Bonn (WCCB) where UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) is headquartered. 

 

The meetings are held over 10 days, ending this year on Thursday 18 June, and are expected to have over 7,000 participants, including negotiators from Parties to the Paris Agreement (i.e. national governments), observers from civil society, real economy and sectoral leaders. 

 

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, says “leaving economies and communities exposed to climate disasters will take a wrecking ball to live”.

 

 

AGN focus at SB64

 

On adaptation, the AGN welcomed engagement under the Baku Adaptation Roadmap and the Belem–Addis Vision and emphasised that agreed indicators should support implementation and inform future Global Stocktake processes.

 

The AGN reiterated that implementation discussions must remain grounded in existing obligations under the Paris Agreement and called for progress on the Technical Task Force.

 

“We reiterate; the primary purpose of agreed indicators is to ensure we have clear and usable information feeding into the global stocktake in respect of adaptation action as well as on support needed and provided. We look forward equally to progress on composition and modalities of the Technical Task Force.”

 

On climate finance, the group reaffirmed that the Climate Finance Work Programme remains rooted in Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, which places an obligation on developed parties to provide financial support to developing parties, and expressed concern that it is not adequately reflected in the agenda.

 

The AGN Chair called for a clear operational definition of climate finance that incorporates grant equivalence, additionality, predictability and accountability, pointing out the importance of strengthening the Adaptation Fund and advancing work on monetisation of the Share of Proceeds.

 

Regarding Just Transition, Nana Dr. Amoah called for balanced allocation of negotiation time to support operationalisation of the mechanism and implementation of agreed outcomes.

 

On climate and trade, Africa reiterated that climate-related measures must not undermine sustainable development and poverty eradication and raised concerns over unilateral trade restrictions and supply-chain measures that impose costs without corresponding support.

 

“We look forward to a constructive engagement on how trade measures impact the ability of African countries to pursue the goals of the Paris Agreement, while safeguarding the legitimate right of African nations to pursue sustainable development and poverty eradication. Africa is unapologetic about protecting her development space. We also cannot shy away from a decision in respect of unilateral measures and unjustifiable trade restrictions, including climate-related trade measures and supply-chain regulations that impose costs without commensurate support,” said the AGN Chair.

 

 

 

Africa's climate negotiators put health at the centre of climate action ahead of Bonn talks

African climate negotiators have reaffirmed their commitment to placing health at the heart of global climate negotiations, recognising climate change not only as an environmental challenge but as a growing public health emergency affecting millions across the continent.

 

The call was made by African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) Chair, Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, during a Climate and Health Capacity Building Workshop convened in Bonn, Germany, ahead of the 64th Session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB64).

 

Addressing negotiators, technical experts, young climate leaders, and representatives from key institutions, including the WHO-AFRO, the Africa CDC, Amref Health Africa, and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), Nana Dr. Amoah emphasized that climate and health are inseparable realities for Africa.

 

He noted that rising temperatures, recurrent floods and droughts, food insecurity, malnutrition, air pollution, and changing disease patterns are placing unprecedented strain on health systems and communities across the continent.

 

The workshop, supported by the IISD builds on momentum generated by the launch of the first ever African Negotiators Climate and Health Curriculum developed by Amref Health Africa and launched in Dar es Salaam last year.

 

“Since then, evidence of climate-related health impacts has continued to mount, with climate-sensitive diseases expanding into new regions and extreme weather events damaging critical health infrastructure,” said Dr. Amoah. “We continue to witness climate-sensitive diseases expanding into new geographies, health infrastructure being damaged by extreme weather events, and increasing burdens on already stretched public health systems in Africa”.

 

The AGN Chair highlighted progress made in securing the inclusion of health within the framework of the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), describing it as a significant milestone in recognising that adaptation efforts must ultimately protect people, livelihoods, and well-being.

 

As discussions continue under the Belém Adaptation Indicators and the Baku Adaptation Road Map, African negotiators are calling for health indicators that reflect the realities and vulnerabilities of African countries, emphasising the urgent need for increased adaptation finance.

 

“Following the adoption of the Belém Adaptation indicators and the ongoing discussions under the Baku Adaptation Roadmap, Africa has a unique opportunity to shape how adaptation is measured, financed and implemented globally.

 

“We must ensure that health indicators under the global goal on adaptation are meaningful, context-specific, and responsive to Africa’s realities. We must also continue pushing for adaptation finance that enables countries to build climate-resilient health systems, strengthen early warning systems, protect health infrastructure, and enhance preparedness for climate-related health emergencies,” said the AGN Chair.

 

Climate finance remains a top priority for the continent, and the AGN Chair noted that despite escalating climate-related health risks, the health sector continues to receive only a fraction of the adaptation finance required.

 

“We won’t relent on calling for developed countries to deliver on their climate finance commitments and ensure that health considerations are reflected within broader discussions on loss and damage, given the significant social and economic costs associated with climate-related health impacts,” he said.

 

Delegates at the workshop described a historic opportunity for the continent to shape global climate priorities, including climate and health, indicating COP31, which is meant to be a strong building block for COP32, to be hosted in Africa.

 

The workshop also highlighted the critical role of young negotiators and technical experts in ensuring continuity and long-term leadership of Africa’s climate and health agenda. Participants agreed that stronger collaboration between AGN, WHO-AFRO, Africa CDC, Amref Health Africa, and other partners will be essential in advancing coordinated African positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

 

WHO-AFRO, Africa CDC, and Amref Health Africa highlighted their work on climate and health and pledged continued support for Africa’s climate and health agenda.

 

Overall, the AGN Chair reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to elevating climate and health as a strategic continental priority, urging negotiators to develop coherent African messages and negotiation strategies to ensure health remains fully integrated into climate policy discussions.

 

“Health is the human face of the climate crisis,” he noted, emphasizing that if climate negotiations are ultimately about protecting people, then health must remain at the centre of global climate action.