Applications are now open for the Climate Governance, Diplomacy, and Negotiations Leadership Program (Cohort XXI) — an advanced leadership initiative by the African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES).

This program is designed to equip emerging African leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to actively engage in global climate governance and negotiation processes under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Program Overview

As climate change continues to pose a major challenge to sustainable development, Africa’s limited participation in global climate policy discussions has hindered effective action. This program responds to that gap by training a new generation of climate negotiators, policymakers, and advocates capable of shaping Africa’s voice on the international stage.

Program Objectives

The initiative seeks to strengthen African capacity in:

• Climate governance and leadership.

• International climate diplomacy and negotiation techniques.

• Effective engagement in global climate policy processes.

• Implementation of national and regional climate strategies.

Who Should Apply

The program welcomes:

• Policymakers and government officials involved in climate policy and project implementation.

• Climate scientists, researchers, and professionals in academia or think tanks.

• Climate negotiators and international diplomats.

• Representatives of NGOs, intergovernmental bodies, and private sector organizations working in climate and environmental sectors.

• Legal experts and jurists focused on environmental and climate governance.

Program Structure

The training covers four key modules:

1. Physical Science of Climate Change – Understanding climate systems, GHGs, impacts, and resilience.

2. IPCC Processes – Engaging with IPCC structures, reports, and participation.

3. Climate Leadership and Communication – Fostering ethical, strategic, and value-based climate leadership.

4. Climate Diplomacy and Negotiations – Exploring the UNFCCC framework, negotiation strategies, and simulation exercises.

Through a mix of lectures, mentorship, and role-playing simulations, participants will develop both technical expertise and diplomatic acumen to represent Africa effectively in global climate dialogues.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 15th December 2025.