Climate Governance, Diplomacy and Negotiations Leadership Program – Call for Applications (Cohort XXI) 2026

Apply now for the AGNES Africa Climate Governance, Diplomacy and Negotiations Leadership Program Cohort XXI — a unique opportunity to strengthen your expertise in climate policy, diplomacy, and leadership across Africa. Deadline: 15 December 2025.

About the Program

The Climate Governance, Diplomacy and Negotiations Leadership Program is an advanced training initiative developed by the African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES Africa) to empower African professionals to effectively participate in international climate change policy processes. Since its establishment in 2015, AGNES Africa has played a key role in providing scientific expertise and evidence to support a unified African voice in climate change negotiations.

Climate change continues to pose one of the greatest threats to sustainable development worldwide. Its effects are disproportionately felt across the African continent, where communities are already vulnerable to environmental degradation and socio-economic pressures. Through this program, AGNES Africa seeks to build the capacity of a new generation of African climate leaders who can engage confidently in global diplomacy and influence meaningful action.

Purpose and Learning Outcomes

The Climate Governance, Diplomacy and Negotiations Leadership Program aims to strengthen participants’ knowledge of international climate governance systems and equip them with the negotiation and leadership skills necessary to represent African perspectives at the highest level.

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the physical science basis of climate change and the dynamics of greenhouse gas emissions.

• Engage effectively in climate negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

• Apply leadership and communication techniques for climate advocacy and community mobilization.

• Contribute to national, regional, and global climate action strategies.

• Strengthen Africa’s participation in multilateral environmental agreements.

This program is designed to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge, policy-making, and practical negotiation experience — fostering an integrated approach to sustainable climate governance.

Who Should Apply

The call for applications targets individuals from diverse professional backgrounds who are already contributing to or aspire to shape climate policies and negotiations. Eligible applicants include:

• Policy and decision makers responsible for developing and implementing climate-related programs;

• Climate scientists, researchers, and professionals from universities or think tanks;

• Negotiators and diplomats working in international environmental policy;

• Representatives from non-state actors such as NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, and the private sector;

• Jurists and legal professionals specializing in environmental governance.

The program provides a multidisciplinary environment that promotes collaboration and shared learning between experts, practitioners, and emerging leaders.

Course Structure and Content

The Climate Governance, Diplomacy and Negotiations Leadership Program is structured around four comprehensive modules:

1. Physical Science Basis of Climate Change
   This module introduces key scientific principles, including the global climate system, greenhouse gas emissions, climate projections, vulnerability assessments, and adaptation and mitigation strategies relevant to Africa.

2. IPCC Processes
   Participants gain a detailed understanding of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), its working structures, report preparation, and opportunities for contributing to scientific reviews and publications.

3. Climate Leadership and Communications
   This section focuses on ethical leadership, strategic communication, and advocacy approaches to inspire action and drive policy change. Participants explore models of effective climate leadership and learn how to translate science into compelling public messages.

4. Climate Diplomacy and Negotiations
   This final module explores the organization and management of international climate negotiations. It covers the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement, as well as the roles of key negotiating groups, principles of negotiation, etiquette, and practical simulation exercises that replicate real-world diplomatic settings.

Program Details and Application Process

The training will take place at the AGNES Africa headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, located at Blue Violet Plaza, 5th Floor, Suite No. 507, Kindaruma Road, Kilimani.

Application Deadline: 15 December 2025
Contact Email: [email protected]
Phone: +254 705 742 836

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply directly on the AGNES Africa website and submit all required documentation before the stated deadline. Selected participants will be notified with further details regarding schedules and preparatory materials.

Why Participate

Joining the Climate Governance, Diplomacy and Negotiations Leadership Program provides an exceptional opportunity to contribute to Africa’s sustainable development agenda. Participants gain direct access to a network of leading negotiators, scientists, and policy experts who are shaping the continent’s position in global climate discussions.

Graduates of the program have gone on to represent African countries in high-level climate negotiations, influence national climate policies, and lead transformative projects across various sectors. The program also helps participants align their work with the broader objectives of the Paris Agreement and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

In an era where effective climate diplomacy is essential, this program equips leaders with both the technical and strategic skills required to navigate complex international frameworks and to advocate for equitable climate solutions for Africa.

Conclusion

The Climate Governance, Diplomacy and Negotiations Leadership Program by AGNES Africa is more than a training course — it is a strategic investment in Africa’s climate future. By empowering professionals across disciplines, the program ensures that the continent remains a strong and informed voice in the global effort to address climate change.

Deadline to Apply: 15 December 2025
Apply Here: https://agnesafrica.org/

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