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Climate Action from Geneva to Antalya | UN Climate Change Conference COP31

Last updated: 13 Oct 2026

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The 2026 UN Climate Change Conference – UNFCCC COP31 – is convening in Antalya, Türkiye from 9 to 20 November 2026. This page provides updates on the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference and the involvement of International Geneva.

UN Climate Change Conference 2026 (COP31)

The 2026 UN Climate Change Conference – UNFCCC COP31 – is convening in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. The meeting comprises the thirty-first session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 31), the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 21), and the eighth session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA 8).

This year also marks the tenth anniversary of the entry into force of the Paris Agreement, as it entered into force on 4 November 2016.

UNFCCC Website

COP31 Presidency | Türkiye-Australia Partnership Modalities

The compromise about the hosting of COP31 in 2026 envisages that Türkiye will host the climate summit in the city of Antalya, and pre-COP meetings will be held on a Pacific island. Under the Türkiye-Australia Partnership Modalities, Murat Kurum of Türkiye will serve as COP31 President-designate, and Australia’s climate minister Chris Bowen will be President of the Negotiations.

Built on an innovative Türkiye–Australia partnership model, the conference aims to prioritize consensus, stakeholder engagement, and support for vulnerable countries—particularly through enhanced finance, adaptation efforts, and implementation of national climate plans — while reinforcing global momentum to keep the 1.5°C target within reach and translate commitments into measurable progress.

Priorities

Under the banner of Driving Implementation Through Cooperation and Collective Action, the priority areas for COP31 include:

  • Electrification | Increase the global electrification rate to 35% by 2035.
  • Zero Waste and Methane Reduction | Reduce the increase in waste generation by 50% by 2035.
  • Resilient Cities and Buildings | Reduce energy intensity in the building sector by at least 25% by 2035.
  • Green Industrialization | Increase the use of circular materials in the manufacturing and production sectors to at least 15% by 2035.
  • Awareness Across All Areas | Ensure that climate-resilient agricultural practices and climate change education are completed across all segments of society by 2035.
  • Climate Implementation Bridge | Expand the Climate Implementation Bridge Mechanism by 2035 to accelerate the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and support investable project portfolios.
Presidency Website

COP31 Action Agenda

Through the COP31 Action Agenda—built upon 10 Priority Areas and 6 Global Implementation Targets—the COP31 Presidency aims to advance global climate ambition forward and chart the course for the future.

COP31 Presidency Letters

On the road to COP31, the Türkiye Presidency shared various letters informing about the preparations for the conference.

Read the letters:

Road to Antalya

Ahead of COP31 in Antalya, important meetings contribute to the preparations and crete momentum towards the 2026 UN Climate Conference:

  • June Climate Meetings (8 – 18 June 2026)
  • 2026 Climate Weeks
  • Istanbul Climate Finance Summit (4–5 September 2026),
  • Ocean and Seas Summit, to be held in Trabzon, Türkiye (10–11 September 2026)
  • New York Climate Week (20–27 September 2026)
  • Pacific Pre-COP (5–8 October 2026).
  • Business Forums @ London Climate Action Week, @ New York Climate Week, @ COP31 Business Forum in Antalya.

COP31 Thematic Days

COP31 Thematic Days bring together global leaders, policymakers, businesses, researchers, and civil society around key climate priorities. Each day of the conference focuses on a specific theme, creating space for targeted dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaborative solutions.

Through dedicated sessions, panels, and partnership events, the Thematic Days aim to connect policy with practice and accelerate the implementation of climate commitments.

  • 9 November — Food, Agriculture and Health
  • 10 November — Energy and Transport
  • 11 November — Zero Waste — Leaders Summit Day 1
  • 12 November — Resilient Cities and Built Environment — Leaders Summit Day 
  • 13 November — Finance and Trade
  • 14 November — Children, Youth, Education and Skills
  • 15 November — A Breath in Antalya (social and cultural programmes)
  • 16 November — Science, Industry and Technology
  • 17 November — Ocean, Seas, Nature and Land Use — Rio Synergy
  • 18 November — Human and Social Development
  • 19 November — İmece: Enhancing Implementation
  • 20 November — Final Negotiations

COP 31 Global Sustainable Insurance Summit 2026

Taking place at the Insurance House during the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, the COP31 Global Sustainable Insurance Summit will serve as the flagship UN-convened, insurance industry-led, multistakeholder gathering at COP31.

Convened jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Insurance Association of Türkiye (TSB), the Summit will bring together leaders and decision-makers from the insurance industry and wider financial sector, businesses, policymakers, regulators and supervisors, UN agencies, academia and civil society.

Under the theme “The Climate Resilience Imperative: Harnessing the insurance industry’s capabilities to catalyze resilience across the economy,” the Summit will will explore how the insurance industry—leveraging its unique triple role as risk managers, risk carriers and investors—can be a proactive catalyst for climate resilience across multiple levels of the economy—from assets, projects, firms and sectors; to the broader financial system and macroeconomy.

Briefing of Türkiye’s COP31 President-designate Murat Kurum in Geneva

COP31 President-Designate Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change visted Geneva in September 2026. During his keynote address at the WMO, Minister Kurum emphasized the critical role of multilateral cooperation and science-based climate action, highlighting the strengthening of observation, forecasting and early warning systems as a key element of COP31’s implementation agenda. → Read more in the WMO article COP31 President-Designate addresses WMO

International Geneva @ COP31

Climate change is deeply linked to biodiversity loss, human rights, economic prosperity, trade, health, and many other issues at the heart of multilateral processes in Geneva. These multilateral processes can be used to foster international cooperation on climate change. Below is a list of Geneva-based organizations and their engagement at COP31.

Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions | BRS Conventions

The BRS Conventions will be at COP31, contributing their expertise, especially on the Zero Waste Action Agenda.

CIEL

At COP31, CIEL experts will monitor and engage in negotiations, particularly at the intersection of climate justice, human rights, and the role of the fossil fuel industry.

Community of Practice on Environment, Climate, Conflict, and Peace

The ECCP will be at COP31 to raise awareness about the importance of peace and conflict sensitivity in climate change negotiations.

Climate Charter

Every year before the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP), the Charter issues a statement on key challenges, priorities, and opportunities at each COP.

IFRC

The IFRC’s Call to Action for the COP31 Climate Summit in November 2026 outlines our urgent appeal for action in three key areas critical to ensuring community resilience to the impacts of climate change: ensuring health and wellbeing, investment in people and communities and timing to get ahead of disasters.

IISD

IISD will follow closely COP30 discussions, offering support to negotiations and delivering daily reports on the decisions shaping global climate action.

ILO

At COP31 ILO will convene the Just Transition Pavilion, together and the European Commission, in collaboration with the IOE, ITUC, and UNFCCC.

IOM

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is calling on global leaders to protect the rights and dignity of those living on the frontlines of the climate crisis, including migrants and displaced persons, Indigenous Peoples, and traditional and local communities. IOM’s pavilion will bring together stories and ideas from around the world, showing how communities are turning the challenges of climate change into opportunities for resilience and renewal.

IOE

IOE will bring the voice of employers and enterprises from across the world to highlight priorities and challenges for stronger private sector action on climate change.

IPCC

The IPCC provides regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation.

ISO

The Standards Pavilion will return as a dedicated space for the international standards community and its partners to connect, collaborate and demonstrate how International Standards can help turn climate ambition into credible, practical action.

ITC

ITC will focus on ensuring that SMEs are recognized as key drivers of climate action and green trade.

ITU

The Green Digital Action initiative brings together partners worldwide to advance climate action through digital innovation.

By driving industry commitments, promoting innovative digital solutions, and strengthening global frameworks for monitoring and reporting, we’re laying the foundation for a sustainable digital future for all.

Nature Positive Initiative

At COP31, the Nature Positive Initiative will bring the conversation about nature and climate action to the centre of global climate negotiations. As the world gathers to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement, we will highlight how achieving a nature-positive and net zero world by 2030 is essential to tackling the climate crisis and securing a sustainable future for all.

IUCN

IUCN monitors the impacts of climate change on nature, and guides the conserva

OHCHR

UN Human Rights aims to promote a human rights-based approach to climate action. We collaborate with partners to integrate human rights in environmental laws and policies. We support the inclusion of civil society in environmental decision-making, access to information and effective remedies for victims. We also advocate on behalf of human rights defenders, and conduct research to address human rights harms caused by environmental degradation.

Platform on Disaster Displacement

The Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD) will be at COP31, working with partners to bring attention to displacement in the context of disasters and the adverse effects of climate change. This page brings together information on relevant events and PDD’s participation. Please check back regularly, as we will update it as further details become available.

Santiago Network

The Santiago Network will be at COP31 — engaging with countries, communities, Members and partners to advance action on loss and damage.

TESS

TESS will be on the ground to support a range of initiatives seeking to promote inclusive cooperation and action on trade, climate, and sustainable development.

UNEP FI

As an official observer organization to the UNFCCC process, UNEP FI will participate in COP31 discussions and events, contributing expertise on climate finance, adaptation, resilience, sustainable finance policy and the role of financial institutions in advancing climate goals.

UN Trade and Development

UNCTAD supports developing countries in addressing the links between trade, climate change and sustainable development. Its work helps countries align trade and climate policies, strengthen resilience, promote low-carbon economic diversification and support just and inclusive transitions.

We Mean Business Coalition

At the Business Pavilion in the Blue Zone, We Mean Business Coalition and partners will bring together leading companies with ministers, negotiators, civil society and the media. The voice of responsible business can build momentum and get the right conditions in place for a well-managed energy transition – at the pace the world needs now.

WBCSD

WBCSD will showcase business-led solutions, highlight measurable progress, and engage with governments to remove systemic barriers – ensuring that sustainability is embedded as a driver of long-term competitiveness and value creation.

WHO

COP31 Health Pavilion will convene the global health and climate community and key stakeholders across various sectors to ensure health and equity are placed at the centre of climate negotiations and help drive bold climate action. It will offer a rich 2-week programme of events showcasing evidence, initiatives and solutions to maximize the health benefits of tackling climate change across regions, sectors and communities.

WMO

WMO is the United Nations system’s authoritative voice on the state and behaviour of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the land and oceans, the weather and climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources.

WTO

WTO will be at COP31  participating in various events especially in the Thematic Day dedicated to Finance and Trade.

WWF

WWF wants COP31 to show the global climate process has moved from promises to implementation. WWF calls for a major increase in climate finance and urges countries to build momentum through the Action Agenda and other initiatives that turn ambition into action.

Events in Geneva

Events taking place in Geneva in preparation for COP31 are listed below.

World Environment Day 2026

World Environment Day 2026 focuses on climate change — on the urgent signals the Earth is sending and the signals we choose to send back. The global campaign calls on all of us to step in #NowForClimate, and steer a world already in motion.

The traditional World Environment Day Celebration at the International Environment House on 5 June 2026 included a World Environment Day Breakfast offered by the host country, organized in parallel to the GENeva World Environment Day Forum showcasing how international Geneva is advancing the Climate Action, and back-to-back with the World Environment Day Dialogue building momentum towards the UN Climate Change Conference 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye.

GEVA Trip towards Antalya and the COP 31

6 November 2026

How Well Are National Climate Plans Protecting Health? Launching the GCHA Healthy NDC Scorecards

14 October 2026

Powering climate action through services trade

16 September 2026

Briefing of the COP-31 Presidency

16 September 2026

World Environment Day Celebration 2026 | Multilateral Geneva Driving Collective Climate Action

5 June 2026

From COP30 to COP31 – Implementation Pathways for Just Transition, Methane, and Critical Minerals | UNECE Resource Management Week 2026 Side Event

28 April 2026

Two-Speed Multilateralism: Can It Address the Climate & Health Agenda?

30 March 2026

Harmonising Global Carbon Accounting under the COP30 Action Agenda

20 February 2026

COP30 Debrief on relevant outcomes and opportunities in 2026

16 February 2026

Post-COP30 Panel: Environmental Outcomes and the Future of Multilateralism

27 November 2025

Reports Ahead of COP31

News and Resources Ahead of COP-31

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