For the first time in the IPCC’s history, cities are taking centre stage in global climate assessment. The Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, the only Special Report in the Seventh Assessment Cycle, aims to capture how urban areas across the world are confronting, adapting to, and shaping responses to climate change. As the IPCC opens the Expert Review process for the First Order Draft (FOD), the AGNES is ensuring that African voices are not only heard but actively shaping the report. Through a series of sub-regional webinars, AGNES has mobilized scientists, practitioners, and policymakers across the continent to participate in this critical stage, strengthening Africa’s contribution to global climate science.
Connecting African Experts to the Global Process
Between 29th September and 3rd October 2025, the AGNES convened five subregional webinars; for Eastern, Southern, West, Central, and North Africa; to unpack the IPCC review process and guide African experts on how to engage. Across these sessions, 160 participants joined from across the continent i.e., 9 from North Africa, 15 from Central Africa, 59 from West Africa, 30 from Southern Africa, and 47 from Eastern Africa.
The webinars were guided by leading IPCC figures including Prof. Debra Roberts, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group II, and Dr. Andrew Okem, Head of Science at the IPCC WGII Technical Support Unit. They were joined by experienced African reviewers from the Sixth Assessment Cycle (AR6) like Dr. Mary Jane and Dr. Jude Kimengsi, who shared their firsthand experiences of reviewing past drafts and seeing their input reflected in the final reports.
With coordination from AGNES, IPCC Focal Point Patricia Nyinguro, Itchell, and Hamza led a live demonstration of how to register and submit comments through the IPCC review portal. Session recordings will be available on the AGNES Podcast Channel on Spotify (link), extending learning opportunities to those who could not join live.
Why the Expert Review Process Matters for Africa
IPCC reports influence global climate priorities, funding decisions, and adaptation strategies. When African experts participate, they bring regional data, case studies, and insights that ensure the continent’s realities are visible in the global climate narrative. Historically, African cities, and the challenges they face, from informal settlements and heat stress to localized adaptation and innovation, have been underrepresented in scientific literature. By empowering African reviewers to engage directly, the AGNES is helping bridge that gap. Through this process, the voices of Africa’s scientists, policymakers, and practitioners will enrich the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities with real African urban experiences, making the science more balanced, inclusive, and globally relevant.
Understanding the IPCC Expert Review
Every IPCC report goes through several review stages to ensure scientific integrity and balance. The Expert Review allows qualified individuals to examine draft chapters, identify gaps, and suggest improvements before the report is finalized.
Here’s how it works:
- Anyone with relevant expertise can register i.e., from researchers and policymakers to practitioners.
- Reviewers can focus on sections aligned with their knowledge; reading the entire report isn’t required.
- All submitted comments are logged and must be addressed by report authors.
- Reviewers are publicly acknowledged in the final report.
- The process is voluntary but deeply impactful. It offers participants a rare opportunity to contribute directly to global climate science, expand their professional networks, and build visibility in international circles.
Registration for the First Order Draft of the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities is open until 30 November 2025. Apply here to become an IPCC Expert Reviewer
Call to Action: Join the AGNES IPCC Expert reviewer Sub-database
AGNES continues to strengthen Africa’s voice in global climate science through its IPCC Expert Reviewer Sub-Database, which identifies, mentors, and supports African professionals engaging in international assessment processes like the IPCC. This platform connects experts with opportunities to review, co-author, and contribute to global reports, ensuring African perspectives are well represented. Many who began as AGNES-supported reviewers have advanced to serve as contributing authors and coordinators in later IPCC cycles. By joining the Sub-Database, African scientists and practitioners gain access to guidance, peer networks, and mentorship. Be part of shaping how the world understands climate change, join the AGNES IPCC Expert Reviewers Sub-Database today. (Click Here to join)