West African climate negotiators and regional institutions opened a three-day preparatory workshop in Dakar, Senegal, on September 23, 2025, to align priorities for the upcoming COP30 United Nations Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil (November 10–21, 2025).
The meeting, jointly organised by the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, seeks to strengthen the region’s negotiating position by analyzing outcomes from the 62nd session of the UNFCCC subsidiary bodies (SB62) and other global climate forums. Delegates aim to define regional advocacy strategies on pressing issues such as fossil fuel transition financing, the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, and advancing global adaptation goals.
Participants, including UNFCCC focal points, NDC experts from ECOWAS member states, and partners such as UNICEF, IOM, WASCAL, AGRHYMET, and the UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Centre, are also exploring the establishment of a West African pavilion at COP30 to showcase emission-reduction and adaptation projects.
The workshop offers a platform to identify gaps in the implementation of past COP decisions and craft concrete proposals for the African Group of Climate Negotiators. The outcomes are expected to bolster Africa’s unified voice in negotiations on climate finance, adaptation targets, and the Glasgow-Sharm El Sheikh work programme.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr Gueye, Director of Cabinet representing Senegal’s Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, alongside Mr Amadou Tchambou of UEMOA and Mr Yao Bernard Koffi of ECOWAS.
As climate challenges intensify, the Dakar meeting underscores West Africa’s determination to influence global decisions at COP30 and ensure regional needs are reflected in international commitments.
