On Thursday, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune addressed the 31st Climate Conference, also known as COP 31, in Antalya, Turkey. His speech was read on his behalf by Prime Minister Aïmene Benabderrahmane. The conference, which began on November 12, 2026, brings together leaders from around the world to discuss and address the pressing issue of climate change. President Tebboune expressed his gratitude to the Turkish government for hosting the event and praised the efforts of the conference's presidency and secretariat.
In his speech, President Tebboune highlighted the urgent need for collective action to combat climate change. He noted that the first global evaluation of efforts to address climate change revealed that current efforts are insufficient to meet the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. The President emphasized that Algeria, as a country with a large portion of its territory in arid and semi-arid regions, is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, including desertification, droughts, and forest fires.
President Tebboune outlined Algeria's commitment to addressing climate change, including its nationally determined contribution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14% by 2035, which can be increased to 31% with international support. He also highlighted the country's efforts to transition to renewable energy, develop hydrogen production, and improve energy efficiency. Additionally, the President emphasized the importance of adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change, citing Algeria's initiatives to protect its water resources and develop its agricultural sector.
The Algerian President stressed that addressing climate change requires a fair and equitable approach, taking into account the different capacities and responsibilities of countries. He called for increased international support and financing to help countries like Algeria implement their climate commitments. President Tebboune also emphasized the need for developed countries to fulfill their obligations to provide climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building support to developing countries.
President Tebboune concluded his speech by reaffirming Algeria's commitment to working with the international community to address the climate challenge. He emphasized that no country can tackle this issue alone and that collective action is necessary to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. The President's speech was well-received by the conference attendees, who acknowledged Algeria's efforts to address climate change and its commitment to sustainable development.
The 31st Climate Conference in Antalya, Turkey, is a critical event in the international effort to address climate change. The conference brings together leaders from around the world to discuss and address the pressing issues of climate change, including mitigation, adaptation, and finance. Algeria's participation in the conference and President Tebboune's speech highlight the country's commitment to addressing this global challenge.
The conference is expected to conclude with a set of decisions and actions aimed at accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Algeria and other countries are expected to continue working together to address the climate challenge and achieve a more sustainable and equitable future for all. The outcome of the conference will be closely watched by the international community, which is looking for concrete actions and commitments to address the pressing issue of climate change.
Key points
- Algeria commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 14% by 2035, with potential to increase to 31% with international support.
