Abidjan, October 30, 2025 – Auditorium of the Prime Minister’s Office, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

An official ceremony was held in Abidjan for the presentation of the Nationally Determined Contribution (CDN 3.0) and the pre-departure event of the Ivorian delegation to COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
The event brought together government representatives, local authorities, academics, civil society organisations, private sector actors, and international partners.

It reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s determination to advance global climate goals and sustainable development.
Among the participants were members of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation), who actively support environmental protection, social solidarity, and human rights initiatives across the region.

The event was reported by Mr Vamara Fofana – IHRC Commissioner & Journalist (Côte d’Ivoire), representing the International Human Rights Commission during the ceremony.

An Integrated Approach to Climate Action

Following the welcoming remarks, speakers from key institutions and international organisations underlined Côte d’Ivoire’s integrated approach to climate governance and ecological transition.

Dr Éric Michel Assamoi, UNFCCC National Focal Point, presented the progress made in preparing Côte d’Ivoire’s participation at COP30.
He stressed the importance of ambition and tangible action, announcing that the national delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will operate a 100 m² national pavilion in Belém dedicated to climate and innovation projects.

Local Governments and the Private Sector as Pillars of CDN 3.0 Implementation

Mr. Gueu Dienot Gilles, Vice-President of ARDCI (San Pedro Zone), emphasised the need for coordinated local government action in implementing national climate policies.
He highlighted the public-private partnership model as a cornerstone of sustainable action and reaffirmed the commitment of local authorities to the national climate agenda.

Mr. Salah Ben Sedikh, Vice-President of UNEMAF and representative of the private sector (CGECI), underlined that private sector engagement must be concrete, measurable, and consistent with sustainability principles.
He called for the full implementation of Article 6.4 of the COP framework, ensuring the long-term credibility of international commitments, and urged collective mobilisation founded on responsibility and shared purpose.

Civil Society Engagement and Women’s Inclusion

Ms. Boussouf Bintou, representing civil society organisations (CSOs), praised the active participation of civil society and women in drafting the CDN 3.0 document.
She highlighted the integration of human rights and gender equality principles in the national strategy and advocated for fairer financial mechanisms between Northern and Southern countries, in line with global solidarity principles.

The Contribution of the International Community

Ms. Blerta Cela, UN Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, reminded participants that Africa accounts for only 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet suffers disproportionately from the effects of climate change.
She commended the country’s consistent progress since 2015 and described the CDN 3.0 as inclusive, transparent, and inspiring.
She also noted Côte d’Ivoire’s ambitious target to reduce emissions by 33.07% through domestic efforts and up to 74% with international support.

Partnerships with the European Union and Brazil

H.E. Ichard Razaaly, Ambassador of the European Union to Côte d’Ivoire, announced that the EU has invested €1.7 billion in low-carbon transitions and €150 million in reforestation initiatives.
He confirmed the forthcoming creation of a carbon market to reinforce green cooperation and commended Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership in climate diplomacy.

H.E. José Carlos de Araújo Leitão, Ambassador of Brazil, stated that COP30 will focus on human-centred policies, social protection, and the fight against hunger.
He indicated that Brazil’s declaration in Belém will centre on poverty reduction and international solidarity, reaffirming Brazil’s readiness to host the event in an ecological and symbolic spirit.

Three Strategic Pillars: Investment, Transparency, and Communication

Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, Mr. Assouahoré, recalled that the CDN is revised every five years in line with international commitments.
He outlined the three strategic pillars of CDN 3.0:

• the Investment Plan,
• the Transparency Framework,
• and the Communication Strategy.

He emphasised that success will depend on the active participation of all national stakeholders – government, private sector, academia, and civil society.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, head of the Ivorian delegation to COP30, expressed confidence in the country’s preparations and praised the leadership of the Minister of Environment, reaffirming that the government will vigorously defend national climate priorities on the international stage.

A Shared Commitment to the Future

The ceremony concluded with the official handover of the CDN 3.0 document and a group photo with technical and financial partners, symbolising the shared responsibility for a resilient and sustainable future.
Côte d’Ivoire reaffirmed its readiness to play an active role at COP30, standing as a leading example of regional cooperation and sustainable transformation in West Africa.

Article prepared by:
Vamara Fofana – IHRC Commissioner & Journalist (Côte d’Ivoire)

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Abidjan, 8 October 2025

Electoral observation for credible and peaceful elections

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a Long-Term Election Observation Mission (LTEOM) to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the presidential election scheduled for 25 October 2025.

The deployment was approved by H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, in accordance with the organisation’s legal instruments, including the Revised ECOWAS Treaty of 1993, the 1999 Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, the 2001 Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and Article 53(c) of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework adopted in 2008.

Fifteen experts for comprehensive electoral monitoring

A total of fifteen (15) experts drawn from ECOWAS Member States will be deployed across Côte d’Ivoire from 2 to 29 October 2025. They bring diverse expertise in:

• constitutional law,
• political affairs and diplomacy,
• media and electoral operations,
• conflict prevention,
• gender, inclusion, and security issues.

The observers will monitor all key phases of the electoral process before, during, and after the polls. Their analyses will serve as an early-warning and rapid-response mechanism, contributing to the prevention and management of any election-related tension or conflict.

Promoting transparency and citizen participation

The mission seeks to foster an environment of transparency and trust, encouraging active citizen participation. The observers will provide real-time assessments and practical recommendations to relevant authorities to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process.

To ensure effective coordination, ECOWAS will establish a Situation Room to monitor national developments and submit daily updates to the ECOWAS Commission for review and strategic action.

Renewed commitment to democracy and stability in the region

Through this deployment, ECOWAS reaffirms its continued commitment to supporting Côte d’Ivoire in conducting credible, transparent, and peaceful presidential elections, and its unwavering determination to promote democracy, good governance, peace, and stability throughout the West African region.

It is worth recalling that ECOWAS had earlier deployed a Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to Côte d’Ivoire from 29 June to 5 July 2025. The mission held meetings with government officials, political party representatives, the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), and members of civil society, before submitting a detailed report to the ECOWAS Commission.

Official mission contacts:
Mr Serigne Mamadou Ka – Head of Technical Team
ska@ecowas.int | +234 808 888 2132

Mr Luther Barou – Electoral Operations Officer
lbarou@ecowas.int | +234 909 483 3333

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The mission entrusted to the technical team, led by Mr. Fofana Vamara, IHRC Commissioner and team leader, is to coordinate, oversee, and evaluate the progress of key reforms and social initiatives. The goal of these efforts is to ensure the effective implementation of projects during the 2021–2030 period, which aim to enhance sustainable development in the region. Particular emphasis is placed on collaboration with AfDB departments responsible for civil society organisations across Africa.

The IHRC technical team comprises distinguished experts and social activists who work collectively to achieve these ambitious objectives. The team members include Mr. Fofana Vamara, Mme. Icha Itam Akpama, Mr. Promo Kouakou Alexis, Mr. Amani Kouame Jean-Baptiste Eclaire, Mme. Adrienne Soundélé, Mr. Essouetchi Etchien Constantin, M. Eby Noel N’Gouan, Mr. Ouattara Ali, Mr. Ahozi Krou Martin, Mr. Coulibaly Abdoulaye, Mr. Diawara Kalil Aboubakary, Mme. Kouyate Kadidja, Mr. Mohamed Aly Diabate, Mme. Aka Danielle Sympathie, Mr. Belafonte Bitty Rocard Max, Mr. Kouassi Abohaya Koffi Justin, and Mme. Gohonn Pelagie Alou Epse.

Thanks to the dedication of the IHRC technical team members, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire has witnessed significant progress in achieving its set objectives. Examples of these achievements include strengthening civil society through partnerships with local organisations, which contribute to the more effective implementation of reforms. Projects supported by IHRC are gaining momentum due to regular monitoring and evaluation, while initiatives promoting human rights raise awareness of their importance within local communities.

IHRC’s activities in Côte d’Ivoire underscore the organisation’s crucial role in shaping the future of West Africa. Improvements in reform processes and engagement in social projects demonstrate how effective international collaboration contributes to enhancing the quality of life across the region.

The National Coordination Programme of IHRC in Côte d’Ivoire will continue to support social development, becoming a model for other ECOWAS countries. Joint actions with the African Development Bank aim to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives and their positive impact on the lives of millions.

Reported:
Vamara Fofana
IHRC Commisioner
IHRC Press Jurnalist

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The government of Côte d’Ivoire stood out as a model of commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, and human rights. Under the leadership of the National Coordination for the Country Programme of the International Human Rights Commission – IHRC, Côte d’Ivoire presented a comprehensive strategy rooted in the promotion of peace, effective cooperation, and the protection of human rights.

A key role in the IHRC delegation from Côte d’Ivoire at COP29 was played by the nominated participants: IHRC Commissioner M. Vamara Fofana, Mme Itam Akpama Icha, M. Kouakou Alexis Promo, and M. Kouamé Jean-Baptiste Eclaire Amani. With support from the government and confirmation of their nomination by the UNFCCC Secretariat and the NCP, these representatives actively participated on the international stage. The issuance Letter of Accreditation facilitated their participation, enabling them to engage in critical negotiations on issues such as adaptation finance, transparency mechanisms, and climate justice.

During the conference, the Côte d’Ivoire delegation collaborated with representatives from 46 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to highlight the urgent needs of nations most affected by climate change. Joint efforts resulted in key achievements, including the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund to support vulnerable countries. Additionally, developed nations committed to doubling adaptation finance to address the growing financial gap, currently estimated at $200–350 billion annually. New transparency frameworks were also agreed upon to monitor progress in meeting climate commitments.

In one of the side events organised by the African Union, ECOWAS, UNOWAS and the African Development Bank (AfDB), Mme Itam Akpama Icha presented key strategies to address climate adaptation. She discussed the importance of agricultural adaptation, water management, and coastal protection as essential pillars for combating the impacts of climate change across the African continent. Mme Itam Akpama Icha highlighted initiatives such as farmer training, access to climate information services, efficient water systems like rainwater harvesting, and the restoration of mangroves as vital solutions to building resilience in vulnerable regions.

With the support of the National Coordination for the IHRC, the government of Côte d’Ivoire presented a robust approach to reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. Investments in renewable energy, forest conservation, and local community support demonstrated that even developing countries can implement ambitious and sustainable climate solutions. In his address, the Minister of Environment stated:
“Climate change demands global responsibility, but every country must act at home. Côte d’Ivoire shows that regional solidarity and local innovation can become key elements of global solutions.”

The IHRC played a critical role in supporting the preparation of Côte d’Ivoire’s delegation. By providing expert assistance in developing national reports and adaptation plans, the IHRC ensured that the delegation was well-prepared to actively participate in negotiations, emphasising the importance of climate justice and the need for developed nations to honour their financial commitments.

COP29 in Baku proved to be a landmark event for global climate action. The delegation from Côte d’Ivoire, in collaboration with the IHRC and regional partners, demonstrated that ambitious goals can be achieved through international cooperation and local engagement. The solidarity that defined this year’s conference must become the foundation for future efforts in addressing the global climate crisis.

Done in Baku, Azerbaijan on November 24, 2024
M. Vamara Fofana IHRC Commisioner, IHRC Press Jurnalist

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