Credit: UN Climate Change | Lara Murillo
What is COP31?
COP31, the United Nations Climate Conference, is the largest international summit to negotiate and advance global cooperation on climate change — a crisis to which no country, society and economy is immune.
Organized by the United Nations, and this year hosted in Antalya, Türkiye, COP31 brings together representatives of government, business, civil society and more from around the world. These international climate meetings have happened annually since 1995 and have given us major international breakthroughs like the 2015 Paris Agreement – which set the world on course to slowing and, one day, stopping climate change, which is already driving up temperatures, strengthening storms, prolonging droughts, and raising sea levels.
COPs have grown exponentially in size over the past two decades — from small working sessions into the largest annual conferences currently held under the United Nations. Officially, COP31 stands for the 31st meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a landmark international treaty agreed in Rio in 1992, and the parent treaty to the Paris Agreement.
What is COP31 about?
Simply put, COP is where the world comes together to agree on the actions to address the climate crisis, such as limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, supporting adaptation and resilience to droughts, floods and other climate impacts and transitioning away from planet-heating fossil fuels.
Negotiations on issues such as adapting to climate impacts, reducing greenhouse gas pollution, climate finance for developing countries, and a just transition for workers and communities will take place. This year will also see a big emphasis on the Climate Action Agenda: a separate, yet complementary track at COP31, which brings together businesses, cities, states and civil society to find and share solutions to climate issues including climate impacts on health and food, electrifying everything from buildings to cars, reducing waste and making cities more resilient to climate change.
Why is COP31 important?
Cooperation between nations is essential if we want to solve this global problem. Climate negotiations have already made significant progress bringing down global heating projections from over 4 degrees Celsius to 2.6 degrees. But more and faster action is needed to protect all people and economies.
COP31 is all about implementation of climate solutions and progressing a global energy transition that drives economic growth, more jobs, food security, better health and safety and affordable clean energy.
No single COP can solve the climate crisis alone. But each COP builds on the last and has taken major steps forward.
Where and when is COP31 being held?
COP31 is held at the Antalya Expo Center in Antalya, Türkiye from 9 till 20 November 2026.
Who attends COP31?
COP31 will bring together world leaders and negotiators from the member states (or Parties) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to further global progress. Accredited observers such as business leaders, young people, climate scientists, Indigenous Peoples, and civil society also attend, sharing insights and best practices to strengthen global, collective and inclusive climate action.
Can anyone attend COP31?
Official meetings, negotiations and events take place in the UN zone, the Blue Zone, and can be accessed by registered participants only. The Green Zone, managed by the host country Türkiye, showcases solutions and innovation and is open for public access.
Who is hosting COP31?
Türkiye will host the Conference and Mr. Murat Kurum has been nominated as President of COP31. Mr. Chris Bowen of Australia will be the President of Negotiations at COP31. COP31 includes a World Leaders’ Summit convening Heads of State and Government on 11 and 12 November 2026.
