COP31 Türkiye began on 9 November 2026 in Antalya, marking the first time the country has hosted the United Nations Climate Change Conference. The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) will continue until 20 November at the Antalya EXPO Center in Soğucaksu. The meeting brings together world leaders, climate experts and government representatives to discuss global warming and ways to strengthen climate action.

Türkiye’s Minister for Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, is serving as the President of COP31. Australia is leading the negotiations, with its Climate Change and Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, presiding over the discussions. This arrangement brings together Türkiye’s role as host and Australia’s responsibility for guiding the negotiation process.

COP31 Türkiye Focuses on Turning Climate Promises into Action

Murat Kurum has described COP31 as an “Implementation COP”. The main aim is to move beyond promises and focus on putting existing climate commitments into practice. Countries are expected to discuss how they can improve their climate plans and take practical steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The conference also highlights the importance of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the rise in global average temperature to well below 2°C and make efforts to keep it within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Türkiye has also presented its “35-by-35” Global Electrification Pledge. Under this initiative, the country aims to increase electricity’s share of final energy consumption to 35% by 2035. Greater use of electricity in areas such as transport, buildings and industry can support the shift towards cleaner energy, particularly when electricity comes from renewable sources.

World Leaders Gather in Antalya

COP31 Türkiye has attracted participation from around 102 leaders representing 95 countries and seven international organisations. The World Leaders’ Summit is scheduled for 11 and 12 November.

The summit provides an opportunity for national leaders to discuss climate policies, energy transitions and international cooperation. Important topics include reducing emissions, improving clean energy access and helping countries prepare for the effects of climate change.

Developing countries are also expected to highlight their needs for climate finance, technology and support to deal with extreme weather events. These issues remain important in international climate discussions because countries face different levels of climate risk and have different resources to respond.

WMO Reports Record-Breaking Global Temperatures

A major development during the opening of COP31 Türkiye was the release of the WMO State of the Climate Update 2026 on 9 November. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that 2015-2026 is on course to become the warmest 12-year period since modern records began.

The update also indicates that 2023-2026 is expected to include the four warmest years on record. According to the report, the global average surface temperature from January to September 2026 was approximately 1.47°C above the pre-industrial average.

The temperature figure may increase further before the end of the year. The WMO update points to the influence of El Niño, a natural climate pattern that can raise global temperatures. The event is expected to intensify, with forecasts suggesting it could become the strongest on record by December.

Why the Paris Agreement Matters at COP31

The Paris Agreement remains a central part of the discussions at COP31. Under the agreement, countries submit climate action plans known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These plans are updated every five years, with each new contribution expected to show greater ambition.

The agreement also includes a Global Stocktake, which assesses how far the world has progressed towards its climate goals. Its findings help countries identify gaps and improve their next climate commitments.

The negotiations in Antalya are therefore important for deciding how countries can turn these commitments into measurable action. Discussions on emissions, renewable energy, climate finance and adaptation will help shape the next steps in international climate cooperation.

Climate Action Takes Centre Stage

COP31 Türkiye comes at a time when rising temperatures, extreme weather and environmental changes are affecting communities around the world. The latest WMO update adds urgency to discussions about reducing emissions and preparing for climate-related risks.

With Türkiye hosting the conference and Australia leading negotiations, countries have an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and focus on practical solutions. The key challenge will be to turn international promises into policies, funding and actions that can make a measurable difference.