The COP30 Presidency this month announced the names of the 30 special envoys who will engage and listen to priority sectors and regions to ensure the conference’s success, which will be held from 10 to 21 November in Belém, Pará.

“The envoys will act as sounding boards for sectors and regions, facilitating the flow of information and insights from their respective areas. We need to hear a lot about expectations in the areas where we have special envoys,” said COP30 President Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago.

The African Climate Foundation’s Chairman of the Board, Prof Carlos Lopes has been appointed Special Envoy for Africa. His appointment is a significant recognition of Africa’s central role in global climate negotiations and the urgent need for a just, inclusive and development-focused transition. He brings decades of leadership in African development, climate diplomacy, and multilateral engagement to this pivotal role. As Special Envoy, Prof Lopes will help shape Africa’s voice and priorities in the lead-up to COP30 in Brazil.

In this role, Prof Lopes will serve as the primary liaison between the Brazilian COP30 Presidency and African countries, champion Africa’s climate and development priorities within the COP30 agenda, and facilitate South–South cooperation and strategic alignment between Brazil and Africa. He will also work to elevate African voices and ensure that just transitions, climate finance, and adaptation remain central to global climate negotiations.

Prof Lopes’ appointment marks a milestone not only for the African Climate Foundation but for the continent as a whole – ensuring that Africa’s leadership, innovation, and interests are front and centre in shaping global climate outcomes.

We also recognise the valuable contributions of Adnan Amin, a fellow esteemed Board member, whose ongoing leadership continues to shape global climate diplomacy and will serve as special envoy for the Middle East.

Their appointments mark a milestone not only for the African Climate Foundation but for the continent as a whole – ensuring that Africa’s leadership, innovation, and interests are front and centre in shaping global climate outcomes.