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.

"We are deeply grateful for the trust and confidence bestowed on the Ethiopian people and government," Ethiopia's ambassador to Brazil, Leulseged Tadese Abebe, told a plenary session of the COP30 summit.

The more immediate choice of host for next year's COP31 remains unresolved.

COP host countries adopt a presidency role which allows them to set goals for the summit and showcase their own climate issues, as well as an important position in resolving any conflicts that arise during negotiations.

At a plenary session of this year's event in Brazil, Ethiopia confirmed it had been endorsed by fellow African nations to hold the 2027 conference in its capital, Addis Ababa.

"COP32 will play a major role in guiding climate action in this critical decade," Ambassador Leulseged said.

COP summits rotate around the world's regions and the decision must be unanimous among all countries in the region.

The decision still needs to be officially adopted, but this is now considered a formality.

This year's conference is being held in the Amazonian city of Belem.