African environment ministers met on Sunday, November 15, in Antalya, Türkiye, to discuss priority issues under negotiation at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).

Convened on the margins of the climate summit, the meeting sought to strengthen political coordination and provide strategic guidance on matters of shared African interest.  

Besides the ministers, other attendees who also participated in the meeting included senior government representatives, representatives of the African Union, the United Nations system, international and regional organizations, financial institutions and development partners, as well as other stakeholders engaged in advancing Africa's environmental and climate priorities.

Discussions focused on climate finance, adaptation, just transition, and climate change and international trade.

Speaking on behalf of the African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Moses Vilakati, reaffirmed Africa's collective call for a shift from unfulfilled pledges to concrete implementation, particularly on adaptation finance, the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, a just and equitable transition, and the protection of Africa's green industrialization ambitions.

In her address to the attendees, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Inger Andersen highlighted the scale of the challenge, noting that developing countries face adaptation needs of approximately $305 billion annually in the coming decade, while international finance remains far below requirements. 

She reinforced Africa's call for accessible, predominantly grant-based adaptation finance, stronger support for loss and damage, and a just transition that expands energy access and creates jobs.

"Effective and well-financed climate adaptation is essential to reduce risks, strengthen resilience, protect development and save lives," she noted.

The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) briefed attendees on the status of negotiations at COP31, including key agenda items, emerging issues and matters requiring ministerial attention. The briefing is expected to inform ministerial consultations and support Africa's coordinated engagement in the negotiations.

Officials from Ethiopia, the incoming host of COP32, also briefed the meeting on the roadmap and preparations for the conference, scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa in November 2027.

Vilakati also used the platform to reiterate the African Union Commission's commitment to supporting an ambitious, inclusive and implementation-driven African COP that translates continental priorities into tangible results.