Climate change continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today. Across Africa, communities are increasingly experiencing the devastating impacts of rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, floods, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and other climate-related disasters. These challenges have significant implications for livelihoods, economic growth, sustainable development, and the well-being of millions of people, especially women, youth, and vulnerable communities.

As the global community works together to address climate change through international agreements and negotiations, there is an increasing demand for skilled African professionals who understand climate governance, diplomacy, and international climate negotiations. Strong African representation in global climate discussions is essential to ensure that the continent’s priorities, development needs, and climate realities are effectively represented.

To strengthen Africa’s climate leadership capacity, the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES), through the Jael Vike Climate Change Training Institute (JVCCTI), has officially opened applications for the Climate Governance, Diplomacy and Negotiations Leadership Program (CLP) Cohort XXII.

The programme is designed to equip current and emerging African climate leaders with the knowledge, leadership competencies, and practical negotiation skills required to engage effectively in regional and international climate policy processes while supporting climate action across the continent.

Applications are now open for qualified candidates.

About the Climate Governance, Diplomacy and Negotiations Leadership Program

The Climate Governance, Diplomacy and Negotiations Leadership Program (CLP) is one of AGNES’ flagship capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening Africa’s participation in global climate governance.

The programme is delivered through the Jael Vike Climate Change Training Institute (JVCCTI), which focuses on developing highly skilled African professionals capable of influencing climate policy, participating in international negotiations, and supporting implementation of climate agreements at national and regional levels.

As international climate negotiations become increasingly complex, African countries require a growing pool of professionals who understand the legal, scientific, political, and diplomatic dimensions of climate governance.

The programme responds to this need by preparing participants to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s climate agenda while strengthening their ability to influence climate policy both within their countries and on the international stage.

Why This Programme Matters

Climate change affects every sector of society, including agriculture, health, infrastructure, water resources, energy, education, and economic development.

Africa contributes relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions but remains among the regions most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Consequently, effective participation in international climate negotiations is critical for ensuring that African priorities receive appropriate attention in global decision-making processes.

The programme recognizes that successful climate governance requires knowledgeable leaders who can:

• Understand climate science
• Develop evidence-based climate policies
• Participate effectively in international negotiations
• Advocate for African interests
• Support implementation of climate agreements
• Promote inclusive climate action involving women, youth, and marginalized communities

The Role of International Climate Agreements

The programme focuses on strengthening participants’ understanding of the major international climate frameworks that guide global climate action.

These include:

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• Kyoto Protocol
• Paris Agreement

These international agreements continue to shape global policies on:

• Climate adaptation
• Climate mitigation
• Climate finance
• Loss and damage
• Technology transfer
• Capacity building
• Transparency frameworks
• National implementation strategies

Participants will gain practical knowledge of how these agreements influence climate policy at international, regional, national, and local levels.

Programme Objectives

The overall objective of the Climate Governance, Diplomacy and Negotiations Leadership Program is to strengthen Africa’s climate leadership by building a new generation of knowledgeable and effective climate professionals.

Specifically, the programme seeks to:

• Strengthen leadership capacity among African climate professionals
• Improve participants’ understanding of climate governance
• Develop advanced climate negotiation skills
• Enhance climate diplomacy competencies
• Increase effective African participation in international climate negotiations
• Build the capacity of leaders to implement climate actions across Africa
• Support emerging climate leaders, particularly women and youth

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, participants will have acquired both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in climate governance and international negotiations.

Participants will be able to:

1. Understand Climate Science

Participants will learn to:

• Explain the physical science behind climate change
• Understand the causes and impacts of climate change
• Assess climate risks affecting Africa
• Understand the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
• Interpret scientific evidence that informs climate policy

2. Develop Climate Leadership Skills

Participants will strengthen their ability to:

• Lead climate initiatives
• Communicate climate issues effectively
• Engage multiple stakeholders
• Promote inclusive climate action
• Support collaborative decision-making

3. Understand the UNFCCC Process

Participants will gain detailed knowledge of:

• Conference of the Parties (COP)
• Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA)
• Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP)
• Subsidiary Bodies
• Constituted Bodies
• Negotiating Groups
• Institutional structures of international climate governance

4. Build Practical Negotiation Skills

The programme will provide practical experience in:

• Preparing for negotiations
• Participating in climate negotiations
• Reading and interpreting negotiating texts
• Understanding negotiation brackets
• Applying negotiation strategies
• Supporting consensus-building during negotiations

Who Should Apply?

The programme welcomes applications from professionals working across climate-related sectors.

Eligible applicants include:

Policy and Decision Makers

Professionals responsible for designing and implementing:

• Climate policies
• National climate programmes
• Local climate initiatives
• Environmental strategies

Climate Scientists

Individuals working in:

• Universities
• Academic institutions
• Think tanks
• Climate research centres
• Scientific organizations

Government Officials and Diplomats

Professionals involved in:

• Climate negotiations
• International diplomacy
• National climate governance
• Regional climate cooperation

Representatives of Organizations

Applicants from:

• International organizations
• Intergovernmental organizations
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Civil society organizations
• Youth-led organizations
• Women-led organizations
• Private sector institutions

working in climate change, environmental governance, and sustainable development are encouraged to apply

Legal Professionals

The programme also welcomes:

• Lawyers
• Climate justice advocates
• Environmental law practitioners
• Legal experts working in climate governance

Emerging Climate Leaders

Young professionals and early-career practitioners who wish to contribute to Africa’s climate agenda are strongly encouraged to apply.

Women and Youth Are Encouraged to Apply

The programme places particular emphasis on strengthening leadership among:

• Women leaders
• Youth leaders
• Early-career professionals
• Emerging climate practitioners

By increasing participation from these groups, the programme seeks to build a more inclusive and representative climate leadership community across Africa.

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Application Requirements

Interested applicants should demonstrate:

• Interest in climate change
• Experience in climate policy
• Climate governance knowledge
• Climate diplomacy
• Environmental governance
• Climate science
• Sustainable development
• Climate negotiations
• Related professional or academic fields

Applications should clearly show the applicant’s motivation and commitment to strengthening Africa’s climate leadership.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications is:

31 July 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid last-minute challenges.

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Conclusion

The Climate Governance, Diplomacy and Negotiations Leadership Program Cohort XXII presents an outstanding opportunity for African professionals, policymakers, researchers, negotiators, legal experts, civil society representatives, and emerging leaders to strengthen their expertise in one of the world’s most pressing development challenges.

As climate negotiations continue to shape international policies on adaptation, mitigation, finance, and sustainable development, Africa requires highly skilled leaders who can effectively represent the continent’s interests while driving meaningful climate action at every level. Through comprehensive training in climate science, governance, diplomacy, leadership, and negotiation, the programme equips participants with the practical knowledge and strategic skills needed to contribute to stronger climate policies and successful implementation across Africa.

Professionals who are passionate about advancing climate action and strengthening Africa’s voice in global climate governance should take advantage of this opportunity and submit their applications before the deadline of 31 July 2026.

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