Ethiopia: PM Abiy Urges Major Emitters to Step Up, Intensifies Diplomatic Outreach Ahead of Ethiopia's COP32

What the report says

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed used the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Türkiye, to press major greenhouse gas emitters to cut emissions faster and provide climate financing more quickly, according to Addis Standard. The report says Ethiopia is trying to strengthen international backing ahead of hosting COP32 in Addis Abeba next year, with the summit scheduled for November 2027.

The article says Abiy held bilateral meetings with leaders from Somalia, Barbados, Finland, Norway, Qatar, Iraq and Botswana, as well as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Those discussions were aimed at broadening cooperation and building support for Ethiopia’s COP32 presidency. He also met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who reportedly reaffirmed cooperation on trade, investment and regional stability.

At the summit, Abiy argued that countries with the largest historical emissions and the most financial capacity should take the lead on deeper cuts this decade. He said climate damage is already draining resources from education, healthcare and other development priorities. The report also notes that Ethiopia pointed to its own climate steps, including restrictions on petrol- and diesel-powered vehicle imports introduced in 2024 as part of a shift toward electric mobility.

The broader context is a continuing divide between developed and developing countries over climate finance, especially funding for adaptation. Ethiopia’s outreach in Antalya appears intended to convert diplomatic meetings into practical support for its presidency and for climate priorities that many African states say remain underfunded.