Antalya, Türkiye, November 10, 2026 - The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, is placing a strong emphasis on accelerating climate action, strengthening implementation and ensuring that existing international commitments translate into measurable results on the ground.
With Türkiye hosting the conference and Australia serving as President of Negotiations, COP31 brings together governments, international organisations, scientists, Indigenous representatives, civil society, businesses and climate advocates to advance global cooperation under the Paris Agreement.
Unlike previous climate negotiations that focused heavily on establishing new international commitments, COP31 is expected to place greater emphasis on delivering existing promises, mobilising climate finance, strengthening accountability and accelerating practical solutions to the climate crisis.
Key Negotiation Priorities
Several major policy and negotiation issues are expected to shape discussions throughout the conference.
Advancing the Second Global Stocktake: Countries are expected to begin preparatory work and assessments for the second Global Stocktake (GST2), which will conclude in 2028 at COP33. The process will evaluate collective progress towards achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement and identify gaps requiring stronger action.
Climate Finance and Accountability: Delivering adequate, accessible and predictable climate finance remains a central concern, particularly for developing countries. Discussions will examine existing commitments, implementation pathways and accountability under Article 9 of the Paris Agreement, which establishes obligations relating to financial support for developing countries.
Just Transition and Climate Adaptation: Ensuring that the transition towards low-carbon economies is inclusive and equitable will remain a significant priority. Countries will also address the growing need for adaptation measures, climate-resilient infrastructure and stronger responses to increasingly severe climate-related disasters.
Unilateral Trade Measures: The economic and developmental implications of unilateral climate-related trade policies, including carbon border adjustment mechanisms, are also attracting attention. Developing countries are concerned about potential impacts on international trade, industrial competitiveness and their development opportunities.
Türkiye's COP31 Action Agenda: Ten Areas for Climate Action
Alongside formal negotiations, Türkiye's COP31 Presidency is advancing an Action Agenda built around ten priority themes, designed to accelerate implementation through partnerships, investment and measurable targets.
The priorities include:
Clean Energy Transition and Electrification: Increasing electricity's share of global final energy consumption from just over 20 per cent to 35 per cent by 2035.
Zero Waste and Methane Reduction: Reducing the projected growth of global waste generation by at least 50 per cent by 2035 while promoting circular economy solutions and methane reduction.
Climate-Resilient Cities: Reducing energy intensity in the building sector by at least 25 per cent by 2035 while promoting energy-efficient construction, sustainable urban planning and resilient infrastructure.
Green Industrialisation: Accelerating industrial decarbonisation and increasing the use of circular materials in manufacturing and production.
Youth and Education: Strengthening climate education, public awareness and meaningful youth participation in climate decision-making.
Food Security: Promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, protecting food systems and addressing the interconnected challenges of water security and climate change.
Oceans and Seas: Protecting marine ecosystems, strengthening coastal resilience and promoting blue carbon solutions.
Dynamic and Resilient Health Systems: Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and public health responses to climate-related risks.
Rio Synergies: Strengthening connections between climate action, biodiversity conservation, land restoration and the objectives of the Rio Conventions.
Climate Implementation Bridge: Mobilising finance, strengthening institutional capacity and developing investment-ready projects to accelerate the implementation of national climate commitments.
Why COP31 Matters for Developing Countries
For climate-vulnerable countries, particularly those in the Global South, COP31 represents an important opportunity to push for stronger international cooperation, accessible climate finance, technology transfer and equitable climate action.
Countries such as Nepal, which contribute relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions but face disproportionate climate risks, have a particular interest in ensuring that global climate commitments translate into practical support for adaptation, disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure and recovery.
The growing threats of glacial lake outburst floods, extreme rainfall, landslides, droughts and other climate-related hazards make the Himalayan region an important part of the global climate discussion.
For Nepal and other mountain nations, the effectiveness of COP31 will ultimately depend not only on the commitments announced in Antalya but also on whether vulnerable communities receive the resources and support needed to protect their lives, livelihoods and ecosystems.
As negotiations and climate action initiatives progress over the next two weeks, the international community will be closely watching whether COP31 can bridge the persistent gap between climate ambition and actual implementation.
The central challenge for COP31 is clear: moving beyond promises towards measurable action, ensuring climate finance reaches those who need it most, and building a safer, more resilient and sustainable future for all.
Source: UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), COP31 Türkiye Presidency and Australian Government.
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Published Date 2026-11-10 06:42:00
