As the Bonn Climate Change Conference approaches, several of the world’s most impoverished nations are facing significant barriers that could severely limit their participation. Delegates from countries like Sudan, Yemen, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and The Gambia have reported difficulties in securing visas, raising concerns about their ability to influence vital climate discussions set to take place in Germany from 8 to 18 June 2026.
Visa Challenges for Delegates
Representatives from these nations have expressed frustration over the visa application process, which has left many unable to attend what is considered a pivotal event in the global climate agenda. Dalal Ebrahim, who oversees climate adaptation efforts for Sudan, articulated her country’s dismay, stating, “The Sudan delegation expresses its deep concern and disappointment at the severe visa barriers faced by its representatives ahead of the Bonn Climate Change Conference.” She noted that many in her delegation, including its head, have faced refusals, while others have struggled to secure appointments with German embassies in Sudan.
Yemen’s Marwah Aref Ahmed Saleh corroborated this experience, revealing that she has attempted to obtain a visa twice through sponsorship from the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), a British think tank. Despite submitting all required documentation and travelling to consulates in Jordan and Ethiopia, she has been denied entry. “The situation is compounded by the fact that travel from Yemen is already extremely difficult,” she lamented, with only two members of Yemen’s delegation successfully making the journey to Bonn.
The Importance of Representation
The Bonn Climate Change Conference serves as a critical platform for countries to engage in technical discussions surrounding the Paris Agreement, which is central to global climate action. With nearly 200 countries participating, the outcomes of this conference can shape the trajectory of climate policy leading up to the COP31 conference scheduled for November in Anatolia, Turkey.
The significant reduction in delegation sizes from vulnerable nations poses a threat to their ability to advocate for their interests. “Under normal circumstances, a larger delegation would have participated, allowing us to cover multiple negotiation tracks simultaneously,” Marwah explained. The current limitations, however, hinder their effectiveness, reducing the likelihood that vital perspectives from the most climate-affected regions will be heard.
Responses from Authorities
In response to these claims, a spokesperson for the German Federal Foreign Office acknowledged the importance of including representatives from all countries, especially those most affected by climate change. However, they also highlighted that visa decisions are bound by Schengen law, which dictates that applicants must demonstrate credible intentions to return to their home countries. Unfortunately, this has led to many legitimate applicants facing unjust barriers.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for UN Climate Change noted that while all countries had been accredited to participate, the final decision on visa issuance rests with the relevant authorities in the host country.
Experts have voiced their concerns over the exclusion of delegates from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Binyam Gebreyes from IIED remarked, “Physically excluding LDC negotiators from the Bonn talks gives the impression their contributions and experiences don’t matter to the rest of the world.”
Why it Matters
The inability of vulnerable nations to participate in crucial climate talks not only undermines their voices but also raises questions about the credibility of the global climate negotiation process. As the world grapples with the escalating effects of climate change, the absence of representatives from the most affected regions could lead to policies that fail to address their unique challenges. This situation highlights the need for an inclusive dialogue that ensures all nations, regardless of their economic standing, have a seat at the table when decisions about their futures are made.
