By P. Vangerline Kpotoe
MONROVIA, Nov. 03 (LINA) – The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) on Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) opened its meeting in Liberia with a call for Africa to move from reviewing negotiation outcomes to building a unified, strategic and implementation-driven position ahead of COP31.
Presenting an overview of the meeting, the National Focal Point for Liberia of AGN Teddy P. Taylor said, the gathering comes at a critical moment in the international climate negotiation process, following the outcomes of the 64th sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) held in Bonn.
According to him, the Bonn meeting laid the groundwork for advancing discussions on the mid-term review of the Glasgow Work Programme on Action for Climate Empowerment, setting the stage for Africa to define its priorities, circumstances and aspirations ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.
He emphasized that the overall objective of the Liberia meeting is to strengthen coordination and negotiating capacity of the African Group on ACE by reviewing SB64 outcomes, consolidating common African priorities, and developing a strategic negotiation and engagement plan for SBI65 and COP31.
First, to critically assess the outcomes of SB64, including the co-facilitators’ informal note on the mid-term review of the Glasgow Work Programme, and identify progress and outstanding issues” Taylor asserted.
Second, to consolidate, Taylor narrated Africa’s common priorities for the future ACE Action Plan to ensure it reflects the needs and realities of African countries.
“Third, to develop clear negotiating positions, strategic messages and engagement approaches to guide Africa’s participation at SBI65 and COP31, and Fourth, to strengthen coordination among African ACE negotiators, National Focal Points and technical experts to ensure solidarity and effectiveness,” he pointed out.
By the end of the three-day deliberations, participants are expected to produce five key results – a shared understanding of SB64 outcomes, a clearly articulated set of African priorities for the future ACE Action Plan covering climate education, public participation, children and youth, gender and financing; agreed negotiating positions and a preliminary African ACE negotiation strategy; a strengthened coordination mechanism among negotiators and focal points; and a practical work plan with timelines leading to COP31.
The organizers stressed that success will be measured not just by discussions, but by the strength of the common position developed and the ability to translate it into negotiation outcomes and action on the ground.
The meeting, which is participatory and negotiation-oriented, will combine technical analysis, experience sharing, strategic discussions and negotiation simulations.
He stated that the training is structured into three thematic days: Day One will focus on reviewing SB64 and understanding the negotiating landscape; Day Two will be dedicated to developing the African Common Position through working groups and plenary; while Day Three will center on developing the COP31 negotiation strategy, including negotiation lines, alliances, simulations, and a practical roadmap.
Participants were encouraged to engage openly and constructively to ensure Africa speaks with one coordinated voice.
Taylor highlighted the ultimate ambition, stressing that the aim is to move Action for Climate Empowerment from commitments to implementation, from consultation to meaningful participation, and from fragmented efforts to coordinated African action.