The Cote d'Ivoire government has taken a significant step towards promoting climate action by launching a network of journalists, known as "Ambassadeurs du climat" (Climate Ambassadors). The network was created on October 1, 2026, in Abidjan Cocody, and its members have pledged to enhance their knowledge of climate issues and effectively disseminate information on the country's progress in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. This initiative aims to support the country's efforts to address climate change and implement its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The launch of the network was marked by a press conference attended by journalists and content creators, who were briefed on the country's climate action progress. Claire Lautier, the new country director of Expertise France in Cote d'Ivoire, welcomed the creation of the network, highlighting the importance of the Transition Bas Carbone (TBC) project in improving the country's climate performance. The TBC project, funded by the European Union, aims to support Cote d'Ivoire in implementing its climate commitments and achieving its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
The European Union's ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, Irchad Razaaly, emphasized the crucial role of the media in raising awareness about climate change and its impacts. He encouraged journalists to analyze the country's climate policy, explain the priorities of climate action, and contribute to a better understanding of the challenges associated with implementing the NDCs. Razaaly stressed that journalists have a responsibility to communicate complex climate-related issues in a clear and accessible manner, making technical concepts such as greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation, and mitigation more understandable to the general public.
The journalists were provided with training on the country's climate policy, NDCs, and the national transparency system, as well as the mechanisms for monitoring, reporting, and verifying climate data. The law on climate change and the Environmental Code were also discussed during the training. The initiative was organized in collaboration with the Réseau des journalistes ivoiriens contre la crise climatique et environnementale (RJICCE), a network of Ivoirian journalists against climate and environmental crisis.
The TBC project, launched in 2023, has a budget of 5.9 million euros and is scheduled to end in 2026. The project aims to support Cote d'Ivoire in implementing and monitoring its climate commitments. By strengthening the capacities of journalists and content creators, the project seeks to promote more regular and informed coverage of climate issues in the country.
The creation of the Climate Ambassadors network is seen as a significant step towards promoting climate action and low-carbon transition in Cote d'Ivoire. By engaging journalists and content creators, the initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change and its impacts, as well as promote sustainable development practices. The network is expected to play a key role in disseminating information on the country's climate progress and promoting climate-resilient development.
The launch of the Climate Ambassadors network demonstrates Cote d'Ivoire's commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The initiative is expected to contribute to the country's efforts to achieve its climate goals and implement its NDCs under the Paris Agreement. Key stakeholders, including the government, international organizations, and civil society, are working together to support the country's climate action efforts and promote a low-carbon economy.
Key points
- The Cote d'Ivoire government has launched a network of journalists to promote climate action and low-carbon transition.
- The network, known as "Ambassadeurs du climat," aims to enhance the knowledge and capacities of journalists to report on climate issues.
- The initiative is supported by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France in collaboration with Ivoirian authorities.
