The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has extended the deadline for countries to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to September 2025.

Simon Stiell, the UNFCCC Executive Secretary, made this announcement on Monday in Brazil ahead of the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) scheduled for November 2025.

NDCs represent each country’s self-defined commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigating climate change effects.

The new deadline allows nations to prepare more comprehensive and ambitious climate plans in line with the Paris Agreement.

Stiell emphasized that bold climate plans are essential for economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability.

He urged countries to take advantage of this extension to develop clear strategies for clean energy transition and climate resilience.

“Several major economies, including Brazil and the UK, have already submitted ambitious national climate plans because it’s entirely in the interests of their economies and citizens,” Stiell said.

The UNFCCC Secretariat will compile the submitted NDCs into a Synthesis Report, which will be released ahead of COP30.

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Nigeria submitted its second NDC in 2021, pledging to:

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030

Achieve universal energy access by 2030

Reach net zero emissions by 2060

However, Nigeria is yet to submit an updated NDC. Other countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Switzerland, and the UK, have already put forward their revised climate plans.

With the global temperature rising at an alarming rate, Stiell stressed that nations must seize this opportunity to strengthen their commitments.

“This new deadline gives countries ample time to produce quality climate plans that outline their goals and strategies for achieving net zero emissions,” he added.

As COP30 approaches, world leaders and policymakers are expected to align their climate commitments with the Paris Agreement, ensuring a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.