Tanzania has begun national consultations to prepare its priorities ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will be held in Belém, Brazil, in November.
The two-day National Pre-COP30 Meeting, organized by the Vice President’s Office (Union Affairs and Environment), brings together government institutions, development partners, civil society, academia, and private sector representatives to consolidate the country’s position and strategies for global negotiations.
Opening the meeting, the Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office, Eng. Cyprian Luhemeja, said the forum marks an important step in refining Tanzania’s climate priorities and strengthening its role as Chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) at COP30.
“For Tanzania, this is not just a negotiation meeting. It is about forging partnerships and mobilizing resources to safeguard our people, ecosystems, and economy from the intensifying impacts of climate change,” he said.
Eng. Luhemeja noted that COP30 is expected to define the global roadmap for accelerated climate action, particularly on adaptation. He said Tanzania’s leadership of the AGN demands unity, strategic thinking, and strong advocacy to ensure Africa’s priorities are well represented in global discussions.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted that Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, provides the guiding framework for a resilient and low-carbon future.
The vision, he said, emphasizes integrating climate action into every sector of national development to build a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable society.
He added that the government is finalizing two key policy instruments — the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) — which will guide the country’s mitigation and adaptation strategies.
The frameworks focus on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, forest conservation, and early warning systems, while positioning Tanzania as a frontrunner in climate ambition.
At COP30, Tanzania will prioritize adaptation and resilience, operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, climate finance access, just energy transition, sustainable forest management, and protection of the blue economy. It will also emphasize inclusive participation to ensure that women, youth, and local communities are fully represented in climate decision-making.
“Climate action is not the responsibility of government alone; it is a whole-of-society endeavour,” Eng. Luhemeja stressed.
He added: “Women and young people are not just beneficiaries of climate policies — they are leaders, innovators, and custodians of our future.”
He called on participants to share their perspectives constructively to build an evidence-based and forward-looking national position for COP30. The aim, he said, is to speak with one strong voice that reflects Vision 2050, the NDC 3.0, the NAP, and Tanzania’s leadership as AGN Chair.
Eng. Luhemeja concluded by reaffirming Tanzania’s commitment to global climate leadership and collaboration.
“Let us use this platform to demonstrate our determination to transform our economy, strengthen partnerships, and safeguard future generations,” he said.
The meeting continues today and tomorrow in Dar es Salaam, with discussions expected to inform Tanzania’s official position ahead of the COP30 negotiations in Brazil.
