Addis Ababa:Ethiopia's upcoming role as host of COP32 in 2027 is set to provide Global South nations with a pivotal platform to foster consensus, align negotiation strategies, and broaden the scope of climate discussions beyond mere financial considerations, as stated by the Organization of Southern Cooperation (OSC) Secretary-General Manssour Bin Mussallam.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Bin Mussallam highlighted the transformative potential of COP32 in reframing global climate negotiations, positioning developing countries not just as victims of climate change but as key contributors to climate action, policy innovation, and solution-oriented strategies.
The Secretary-General underscored that COP32 in Ethiopia could alter the prevailing narrative, enabling Southern nations to present proposals rooted in their own agendas and priorities. He emphasized Ethiopia's strategic position, as the host of the African Union headquarters, to facilitate consensus-building and coordination among Global South countries before engaging in global climate discussions.
Further, Bin Mussallam stressed the importance of expanding collaboration beyond climate finance to include strategic coordination among nations producing essential minerals for renewable energy technologies, like solar panels and electric vehicles. He argued that such cooperation could empower resource-producing nations to better regulate exports, enhance bargaining power, and secure greater participation in global clean energy supply chains.
He advocated for a shift from the current economic model, urging developing countries to manufacture renewable energy technologies domestically rather than exporting raw materials and importing finished products. This approach aims to achieve ecological sustainability and economic prosperity simultaneously.
Additionally, Bin Mussallam called on developed nations to supplement climate finance with investments in the industrial development of the Global South. He noted that these investments could accelerate the clean energy transition, create jobs, strengthen local industries, and support sustainable economic growth.
Ethiopia's hosting of COP32 is anticipated to bridge international climate goals with the developmental priorities of Africa and other developing regions. The conference is expected to facilitate discussions on aligning climate adaptation, trade policies, industrial growth, and development finance with tangible outcomes in areas such as food security and sustainable energy.
