Tanzania is hosting about 300 climate scientists and experts from across the world in a meeting expected to shape the scientific evidence that will inform global climate policies, as the country seeks to strengthen its role in international climate research.
The five-day meeting, which begins today, November 2, 2026, at the Pan-African Postal Union (PAPU) International Conference Centre in Arusha, brings together experts from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group I.
The Third Meeting of Experts is part of preparations for the IPCC's Seventh Assessment Report (AR7), which will provide updated scientific findings on climate change and its implications for countries worldwide.
For Tanzania, hosting the meeting goes beyond international recognition, offering an opportunity to connect local researchers with global scientific networks and strengthen the country's participation in discussions that influence climate policies and responses.
Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) Director General and IPCC Vice-Chairman Ladislaus Chang’a said the meeting would demonstrate the country's contribution to climate science while deepening international cooperation.
He said the gathering would also strengthen collaboration between Tanzanian and African experts and scientists from other parts of the world, while creating economic opportunities for local businesses providing services to delegates.
The meeting comes at a time when climate change continues to pose challenges to economies and communities, particularly in developing countries that face growing pressure to strengthen their capacity to respond to changing weather patterns and climate-related risks.
The scientific assessments produced through the IPCC process are important because they provide governments with evidence to guide decisions on climate adaptation, mitigation and long-term development planning.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba is expected to officially open the meeting today as the guest of honour.
In addition to the technical discussions, the programme includes public awareness activities scheduled for November 4 at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) and the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA).
The activities will target stakeholders in academia and other sectors, with the aim of improving understanding of the IPCC's work and the process through which global climate assessment reports are prepared.
The IPCC is a United Nations body that assesses scientific knowledge on climate change, providing governments with independent scientific assessments to support policy decisions.
Through the TMA, the government says it is continuing to strengthen Tanzania's contribution to international efforts to generate and apply reliable scientific information in addressing climate change.
The Arusha meeting therefore provides Tanzania with an opportunity not only to participate in shaping the next global climate assessment but also to strengthen its scientific networks and visibility in international climate discussions.