Tanzania will use the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) to push for increased climate financing, stronger adaptation measures and technology transfer as the country seeks to address the growing effects of climate change on its economy and communities.
The priorities will guide the country's participation in the conference, scheduled to take place in Türkiye from November 9 to 20, 2026.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Union) in the Vice President’s Office, Dr Latifa Mohammed Khamis, outlined the priorities today October 28, 2026 when opening a meeting of Permanent Secretaries on Tanzania's preparations for the conference.
She said Tanzania would also push for the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, capacity building, carbon markets under Article 6 and support for countries facing losses and damage caused by climate change.
“It is important to ensure that our position reflects the priorities of Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, as well as the needs of the agriculture, water, energy, health, infrastructure, forestry, ecosystems, marine and blue economy sectors,” Dr Latifa said.
She said the country's participation would also provide an opportunity to advance its interests in clean energy, food security, environmental conservation, green industries and youth participation.
The priorities are particularly important for Tanzania, where climate-related challenges affect key economic activities, including agriculture, water supply, energy production and infrastructure.
Dr Latifa said preparations should now focus on completing an action plan covering side events, bilateral meetings and activities at Tanzania's pavilion during the conference.
She called for proper coordination to ensure that the country's priorities are effectively presented during negotiations and other engagements.
Director of Environment in the Vice President's Office, Kemilembe Mutasa, said decisions made during the meeting would be translated into an implementation plan with clear responsibilities, deadlines and monitoring arrangements.
“It is important for Permanent Secretaries to review the outcomes of these discussions, provide government guidance and agree on the actions required to complete national preparations on time,” she said.
Ms Mutasa urged ministries, government departments and institutions, the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and complete their assigned tasks within the agreed timelines.
Meanwhile, a representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Mr Ghaamid Abdulbasat, said the organisation was working with the government through the Vice President's Office to support the implementation of international climate commitments.
He cited the Transformative Restoration Initiative (TRI), which aims to restore natural vegetation across approximately 5.2 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
.jpeg)
The programme covers the Great Ruaha and Lake Rukwa basins in Iringa, Mbeya and Rukwa regions.
The initiative is expected to support landscape restoration and strengthen efforts to address environmental degradation and climate change.