As The Gambia prepares for the 30th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) recently convened a Pre-COP30 Workshop to strengthen national readiness ahead of the global climate negotiations.

The workshop aimed to orient accredited delegates on key UNFCCC processes and protocols, present and discuss The Gambia’s national positions, and enhance team coordination and preparedness for effective participation in the upcoming conference.

In her opening statement, the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Rohey John-Manjang, underscored the importance of representing The Gambia with professionalism, unity, and integrity on the global stage. She emphasized that strong coordination and teamwork are essential for advancing the country’s climate priorities and securing meaningful outcomes from the negotiations.

Hon. John-Manjang urged delegates to work closely with their lead negotiators and remain attentive to the technical guidance provided by experts. She encouraged participants to seize the learning opportunities presented by COP and to be proactive in their engagements throughout the negotiation process.

The Minister also expressed sincere appreciation to UNDP The Gambia for their support and funding of the preparatory workshop, which she described as vital to ensuring that the national delegation is well-equipped to engage effectively at COP30.

Delivering his welcoming remarks, the Director of the Climate Change Secretariat, Mr. Lamin S. Jammeh, highlighted the importance of the workshop in preparing delegates for the complex and technical nature of COP negotiations. He noted that diplomacy and collaboration are key to achieving progress, reminding delegates that while not all objectives may be met, constructive engagement remains crucial.

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It brings together nearly 200 countries each year to assess global progress in addressing climate change, negotiate new commitments, and strengthen collective action toward the goals of the Paris Agreement. The upcoming COP30 in Belém, Brazil, will focus on accelerating climate action and aligning national efforts with the 1.5°C global temperature target.