COP31: What Will It Take to Deliver for Africa?

In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical conflict and climate shocks — from energy supply disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and the war in Ukraine to El Niño, fires in Southeast Asia and devastating floods in Nepal — energy and food security are becoming ever more closely linked to climate resilience. 

Against this backdrop, this webinar will explore what COP31 needs to deliver to help African countries strengthen energy security, safeguard food systems and mobilize the finance needed to withstand interconnected shocks. What outcomes should the summit prioritize, and what will it take to turn commitments into tangible results? 

The discussion will focus on translating climate commitments into practical action, with particular attention to energy, adaptation and climate finance. It will also examine the steps needed to accelerate implementation in the lead-up to COP32, which Ethiopia will host in 2027.

Speakers 

• Olufunso Somorin, Regional Principal Officer, African Development Bank 
• Soha Benchekroun, Climate resilience and industrial development policy researcher & adviser 
• Yasmin Abdulwassie, Senior Manager, Climate-Africa, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation