In a troubling development ahead of the Bonn Climate Change Conference, scheduled from 8 to 18 June 2026, delegates from some of the world’s most impoverished and climate-vulnerable nations are facing significant obstacles in obtaining visas. This predicament could severely limit their ability to participate in crucial discussions that shape global climate policy. Countries such as Sudan, Yemen, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and The Gambia report that bureaucratic hurdles are preventing them from sending full delegations to the talks, which are vital for addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
Visa Challenges for Delegates
Representatives from these nations express deep concern regarding the barriers encountered in securing necessary travel documents. Dalal Ebrahim, head of the climate adaptation department for Sudan, articulated her nation’s frustration, noting that the majority of their delegation, including its leader, has faced visa refusals. Several others are still waiting for appointments at German embassies, complicating their ability to attend the conference.
Similarly, Marwah Aref Ahmed Saleh, a climate negotiator for Yemen, has encountered repeated challenges in her attempts to secure a visa. Sponsored twice by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), she has submitted all required documentation, yet her applications were denied on grounds of “reasonable doubts” regarding her intent to return home. “Travel from Yemen is already fraught with difficulties, and even reaching a country for a visa application is a significant undertaking,” she lamented, highlighting the severe limitations imposed on her nation’s representation.
Impact on Climate Diplomacy
The Bonn conference serves as a crucial platform for technical discussions on climate policy and is integral to the larger framework of the Paris Agreement. Delegates from nearly 200 countries converge to assess global progress on climate action and draft documents that will influence future climate negotiations, including the upcoming COP31 conference in Turkey later this year.
However, reduced representation from nations most affected by climate change could diminish their influence in shaping the agenda. “Under normal circumstances, a larger delegation would allow us to engage in multiple negotiation tracks simultaneously,” explained Marwah. “When only a few delegates attend, it becomes virtually impossible to cover all the critical discussions.” This lack of representation not only undermines the voices of these vulnerable countries but also compromises the integrity of the climate negotiations.
A Call for Inclusivity
Ebrahim stressed the importance of including nations like Sudan in discussions surrounding climate adaptation and finance, stating, “Visa barriers should not become a hidden form of silencing or isolation within the climate process.” She argued that for climate diplomacy to retain credibility, it must include the perspectives of those most impacted by climate change.
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for the German Federal Foreign Office acknowledged the importance of participation from the most affected countries but reiterated that visa issuance is governed by strict European laws. They noted that the assessment of applicants’ willingness to return is based solely on available evidence.
Meanwhile, Binyam Gebreyes from IIED highlighted the significance of UNFCCC meetings as rare opportunities for Least Developed Countries to share their experiences and contributions. He warned that excluding these negotiators not only silences their voices but also sends a troubling message regarding the global commitment to climate justice.
Why it Matters
The barriers faced by delegates from the world’s poorest nations at the Bonn Climate Change Conference underscore a troubling trend in global climate diplomacy. As climate change increasingly threatens the livelihoods and ecosystems of vulnerable populations, their voices in critical negotiations become more vital than ever. The inability of these nations to participate fully not only hinders their own climate action efforts but also jeopardises the collective global response needed to combat this existential crisis. The world cannot afford to leave behind those most affected; their experiences and insights are crucial in shaping effective climate policies that truly address the needs of all.
