The East African Community is laying grounds for a unified position towards the forthcoming 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil.
The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat is in preparation for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The EAC in collaboration with the German International Cooperation (GIZ), convened a regional experts meeting in Entebbe, Uganda to build consensus on key climate messages and shape a unified EAC position ahead of COP30, scheduled for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.
The three-day meeting brought together climate experts, government officials, and development partners from across the region to foster collaboration and alignment on key climate priorities.
Speaking during the opening session, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors, Andrea Ariik Malueth, emphasized the importance of regional unity in climate diplomacy.
“The East African region is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods, and food insecurity,” he noted.
“A coordinated and well-articulated message will amplify our voice and ensure that the needs of our communities are heard and addressed at COP30.”
Malueth underscored that EAC’s engagement at COP30 must be strategic, evidence-based, and future-oriented.
He highlighted the value of strong collaboration among Partner States, both in the lead-up to and during the global summit.
On her part, the GIZ Technical Advisor on Water and Climate, Ms. Rosemary Masikini said as the world prepares for COP30 in Brazil, it is vital that regions like EAC and those most affected by the climate crisis are not only heard but truly influence global decisions.
She underscored GIZ commitment to continue supporting EAC Secretariat and Partner States to enhance policy development and support the operationalization of climate commitments at both national and regional levels.
Meanwhile, the meeting is also expected to validate the draft EAC Climate Change Policy. The regional policy validation comes at a critical juncture as the EAC prepares to articulate its collective priorities for COP30.
“Regional validation process is essential to ensure the region has a robust, inclusive, and forward-looking policy that supports adaptation and mitigation efforts,” Malueth added.
Following the technical review and expert input, the revised draft policy will be submitted to the Sectoral Council for consideration and adoption.
The EAC Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Partner States and stakeholders to ensure the policy is actionable and responsive to the region’s climate challenges.
The Entebbe meeting represents a significant step toward strengthening a harmonized regional framework for climate action and ensuring East Africa’s voice is effectively represented on the global stage.