Bonn: The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) on Climate Change has urged faster global action to ensure that the transition to cleaner energy supports jobs, economic growth, and development in poorer countries. The call was made at the closing session of the SB 64 Climate Conference in Bonn, Germany, where parties reviewed progress on ongoing climate negotiations.
According to Ghana News Agency, AGN Chair Dr. Antwi Boasiako Amoah, representing Africa's 54 countries and over 1.6 billion people, emphasized that climate action must support development and not impose additional burdens on developing nations. He highlighted that the issues discussed at the meeting directly impact Africa's right to development and efforts to reduce poverty.
Dr. Amoah stressed that Africa supports climate policies balancing environmental protection with development priorities, including industrialisation, energy access, and poverty reduction. While acknowledging some progress in negotiations, he noted that the implementation of agreed workstreams under the global transition agenda remains slow, calling for greater urgency in translating climate commitments into practical outcomes.
Africa's focus, Dr. Amoah reiterated, is on industrialisation, sustainable development, and poverty eradication. The AGN insists that climate action for Africa must extend beyond emissions reduction to encompass job creation and improved energy access. Dr. Amoah highlighted the importance of technology transfer and international cooperation in enabling African countries to follow low-carbon development pathways while advancing their economies.
The group expressed appreciation for discussions on capacity building and gender-related issues but called for stronger support to help countries implement climate policies at national and local levels. As negotiations continue, the AGN committed to remaining constructively engaged while urging for more urgency in delivering tangible benefits from global climate commitments.