Ethiopia tapped to host COP32 in 2027, as COP31 stalemate between Australia and Turkey persists

Ethiopia is set to host the 32nd UN Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2027, while uncertainty continues over next year’s COP31, with Australia and Turkey locked in a standoff for the 2026 event.

Addis Ababa to host COP32

COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago announced on Monday that participating countries had agreed in principle to hold COP32 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a decision expected to be formally adopted on Tuesday.

“The African Group has reached consensus,” Corrêa do Lago told journalists in Belém. “This reflects a strong message of African leadership and climate solidarity.”

Ethiopia launched its bid in September, competing with Nigeria to represent the African region. According to diplomatic sources who confirmed the news to The Climate Watch, the Bureau of African Countries unanimously advanced Ethiopia’s candidacy after rounds of consultation.

A delegate from an industrialized nation told Reuters they could “not imagine any reason” for the decision to face objection at the plenary adoption.

If confirmed, COP32 will take place in Addis Ababa, home to the African Union headquarters, signaling Africa’s growing role in global climate governance.

Regional rotation and symbolism

The COPs rotate annually among five UN regional groups. This year’s summit, COP30, is hosted in Belém, Brazil, representing Latin America and the Caribbean. The next turn belongs to the Western European and Others Group (WEOG) for COP31 in 2026 — but that process remains gridlocked.

Australia–Turkey deadlock over COP31

The choice of host for COP31 has been stuck for months within the WEOG, as Australia and Turkey refuse to withdraw their competing bids.

Australia has proposed a co-hosting arrangement with Pacific Island nations, highlighting its climate partnership with some of the world’s most vulnerable states. Canberra says hosting COP31 in the Pacific would amplify island voices and symbolize solidarity with those on the frontline of sea-level rise and extreme climate impacts.

Turkey, meanwhile, argues that its geographical centrality between Europe and Asia makes it a more practical and low-emission venue for thousands of global delegates. Ankara also emphasizes its emerging-economy status and lower fossil-fuel dependency compared to Australia, portraying itself as a “bridge” between the Global North and South.

Despite majority support within the WEOG reportedly leaning toward Australia, the UNFCCC requires consensus, meaning both countries must agree. Without resolution, the default host would revert to Bonn, Germany, where the UN Climate Secretariat is based.

On Monday, COP30 President Corrêa do Lago urged the Western group to resolve the impasse swiftly so that preparations for COP31 can begin.

Ethiopia’s hosting seen as a milestone for Africa

For Africa, Ethiopia’s selection is being hailed as a diplomatic milestone. Addis Ababa is already a key hub for continental climate diplomacy through the African Union, UNECA, and several adaptation and finance mechanisms.

Hosting COP32 is expected to spotlight climate finance, resilience, and just-transition priorities for African nations, many of which contribute the least to global emissions but face the most severe impacts.

Ethiopia’s government has positioned itself as a champion of green development, promoting the “Climate-Resilient Green Economy” strategy and investments in renewable energy, particularly hydropower.

What comes next

The formal adoption of Ethiopia’s COP32 host status is scheduled for Tuesday at the COP30 plenary in Belém. The outcome will mark the first time since Marrakech (COP22, 2016) that Africa hosts the global climate conference.

Meanwhile, the COP31 decision, still unresolved, will test whether multilateral climate diplomacy can rise above regional competition. As one observer told The Climate Watch:

“The world cannot afford a year of delay or confusion. Whether in the Pacific or Eurasia, the message must be unity and urgency.”