Background Action for Climate Empowerment is established under Article 6 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Article 12 of the Paris Agreement. It covers climate education, training, public awareness, public participation, public access to information and international cooperation. For African countries, effective ACE implementation is central to strengthening inclusive climate governance and the delivery of Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plans and other national climate priorities. At the sixty fourth sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies held in Bonn from 8 to 18 June 2026, Parties initiated the midterm review of progress under the Glasgow work programme on ACE. Consideration will continue at SBI 65 on the basis of the co facilitators informal note. Parties and relevant stakeholders were invited to submit views on that note, including proposals to strengthen current activities and inform a new ACE action plan, by 1 October 2026. The African Group therefore requires a concise, evidence based and politically coherent common position paper that consolidates African experience, analyses the SB64 outcome and informal note, articulates priority asks, and informs both the submission process and the Group's negotiating strategy for SBI 65 and COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.

Purpose of the consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to lead the research, consultation, drafting, revision and finalization of the African Common Position Paper on ACE. The paper will provide a consolidated technical and strategic basis for the AGN's 1 October 2026 submission and subsequent engagement at SBI 65 and COP31.