By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Togo is using the 31st
United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, to
present three national initiatives aimed at mobilising climate finance,
strengthening carbon market transparency and promoting sustainable waste
management.
The initiatives, comprising
the Togo Green Fund (TGF), the digital platform of Togo’s National Carbon
Registry and the Togo Zero Waste Programme, reflect the country's commitment to
climate action and its efforts to strengthen resilience to the effects of
climate change.
The announcement was made as
President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, participated in the
opening of the COP31 World Leaders’ Summit on Climate Action on November 11,
2026, alongside the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, and
several heads of state and government from Africa, Europe, Asia and the
Americas.
Upon his arrival at the
Antalya EXPO site, Gnassingbé was welcomed by Guterres and Türkiye’s President,
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in what the Togolese Presidency described as a symbolic
gesture recognising Togo’s commitments in the fight against climate change.
The World Leaders’ Summit
provides a high-level platform for dialogue and consultation among the United
Nations, heads of state and government, and development partners on emerging
climate and environmental challenges.
At the opening of the
summit, Erdoğan and Guterres welcomed the mobilisation of the international
community around COP31, stressing the importance of strengthening countries’
access to climate finance and accelerating the energy transition.
These priorities align with
Togo’s development agenda, which incorporates energy transition, the
mobilisation of climate resources and the promotion of sustainable practices to
strengthen the resilience of its population.
The Togo Green Fund is
designed as a mechanism for mobilising climate finance, while the digital
platform of the National Carbon Registry is intended to strengthen transparency
and promote efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Togo Zero Waste
Programme, meanwhile, seeks to advance the circular economy and sustainable
waste management.
Beyond presenting its
national experiences, Togo intends to advocate for stronger international
climate cooperation based on solidarity, equity and shared responsibility.
During the summit
proceedings, President Gnassingbé is expected to reaffirm the country's
commitment to contributing fully to international efforts to combat climate
change and advance sustainable development.
