Antalya, Türkiye, November 14, 2026 - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on governments to fulfil their climate commitments and adopt a “new climate justice compact” as world leaders, negotiators and representatives from across the globe gather at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
The UN is bringing its Member States together at COP31 to place the climate crisis at the forefront of global political priorities and accelerate collective action against the escalating impacts of climate change. Guterres’ appeal underscores the urgent need to translate international climate promises into concrete action, ensuring that countries move beyond pledges towards meaningful implementation.
The call for a new climate justice compact highlights the importance of fairness, accountability and international solidarity in addressing the climate emergency. Developing countries, particularly those least responsible for global greenhouse gas emissions, continue to face disproportionate climate impacts, including extreme weather events, floods, droughts, rising temperatures and growing threats to livelihoods and ecosystems.
For vulnerable nations such as Nepal, the climate justice agenda carries particular significance. Mountain communities are increasingly exposed to climate-induced hazards, including glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, erratic rainfall and other climate-related disasters. Strengthening adaptation measures, ensuring accessible climate finance, and securing adequate support for loss and damage remain essential priorities.
COP31 provides a critical opportunity for governments to demonstrate political leadership, strengthen international cooperation and ensure that climate commitments deliver tangible benefits for people and nature. The central challenge is not simply to make stronger promises, but to ensure that the resources, policies and accountability mechanisms needed to implement them are in place.
As the climate crisis intensifies, Guterres’ message sends a clear signal: climate action must be grounded in justice, responsibility and solidarity, with no country or community left behind.
Published Date 2026-11-14 07:00:58
