France, Nov. 13 -- Ethiopia said on Tuesday it would host the United Nations' COP32 climate summit in 2027, fending off a rival bid from Nigeria to land an influential role that will allow it to shape the agenda and outcomes of the event. The more immediate choice of host for next year's COP31 remains unresolved, however, with both Australia and Turkey vying for it.

The news broke on the second day of COP30, the 30th UN climate change conference held in Belem, in the Brazilian Amazon.

Richard Muyungi, chair of the Africa Group of Negotiators told AFP the group "has endorsed Ethiopia." The Brazilian presidency of COP30 confirmed the African countries' choice to French press agency AFP.

It's not yet official -- the decision still needs t...