Climate experts, diplomats and academics have called for stronger African representation in global climate negotiations and increased access to climate finance ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).
The call was made at a public lecture hosted by the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) in collaboration with the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies (C3SS), and the Australian High Commission on Monday, June 8, 2026 to discuss major climate challenges facing Africa ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), set to take place in Antalya from November 9 to 20, 2026.
Held on the theme, “The Voices of Africa and the Pacific at COP31,” Australia’s Counsellor for Climate Change in Africa, Liam Cosgrave, noted that while Africa continues to grapple with severe climate-related challenges including droughts, floods and food insecurity, efforts are underway to address barriers that hinder African countries from accessing climate finance.
“We are working with partners to advance a coordinated global approach through green energy initiatives and are looking at how best to mobilise public and private funding to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, support innovation and reduce the cost of capital. We recognise the complexity, limited capacity and high transaction costs that continue to constrain access for the African countries in need,” he said.
Also addressing participants, Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Ghana, Her Excellency Dilara César, stressed that youth participation would be central to climate action under the COP31 presidency, acknowledging the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa and pledged that the concerns of vulnerable countries would remain a priority.
“We will ensure that voices of the youth are placed at the centre of climate action through the youth climate and wars. We’re aware of the fact that while the impacts of climate change are felt worldwide, Africa bears a unique and disproportionate burden,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Professor of Sustainable Development and Head of the Department of Public Administration at UGBS, Albert Ahenkan, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting preparations towards COP31 through research, consultancy and public engagement.
“We would support COP31 through cutting-edge research, consultancies and public engagement. We also stand ready and are prepared as we look forward to the activities leading to COP31. We further wish that the engagement we have had today would not be the last one, but actually, the first in a long series of engagements,” he said.
The lecture forms part of broader efforts to amplify African and Pacific perspectives in international climate discussions and ensure that the voices of vulnerable communities are reflected in global climate action.
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Story by Wilhemina Nii-Moi | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
