COP31, the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. Billed as an 'implementation COP', it is expected to focus on climate finance and the transition away from fossil fuels, with an unusual arrangement splitting responsibilities between Türkiye and Australia.
At a Glance
COP31 is the annual United Nations climate summit, held under the UNFCCC. The 2026 edition takes place at the Antalya Expo Center in Türkiye from 9 to 20 November 2026, and also serves as the meetings of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
How the Hosting Arrangement Works
COP31 follows a negotiated compromise between Türkiye and Australia, both of which had sought to host.
| Role | Holder |
|---|
| Host country and Presidency | Türkiye |
| COP31 President (designate) | Murat Kurum |
| Action Agenda | Led by Türkiye |
| President of Negotiations | Chris Bowen, Australia's climate change and energy minister |
The split means Türkiye manages political leadership, logistics and the Action Agenda, while Australia leads the formal negotiating process.
Why It Is Called the 'Implementation COP'
Eleven years after the Paris Agreement, commentators say the emphasis has shifted from announcing new targets to delivering on existing ones. The Turkish presidency has framed Antalya as a summit for turning commitments into tangible, trackable progress.
Likely Agenda Themes
- Climate finance: developing countries have long argued current flows are inadequate, and finance is expected to be central.
- Transition away from fossil fuels: a recurring and contested topic following earlier COP outcomes.
- Implementation and transparency: tracking whether national plans are being delivered.
- Action Agenda: side events, business and startup initiatives, and partnerships outside the formal negotiations.
Key Dates and Logistics
- 9–20 November 2026: the conference.
- 11–12 November: Leaders' Summit, hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, according to Turkish reporting.
- Attendance: Antalya's governor has projected roughly 80,000 to 120,000 participants from 196 countries and around 100 heads of state or government.
- Blue Zone: the official negotiating area, accessible only to accredited participants.
- Accommodation: hotels across Antalya, Belek and Kemer are expecting very high demand, so travellers planning other visits to the region in November should book early.
Background: From Belém to Antalya
COP31 follows COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, in 2025. The UNFCCC has run informal consultations among presidencies and heads of delegation throughout 2026 to prepare outcomes for Antalya.
What to Watch
- Whether finance negotiations produce concrete numbers and timelines.
- How the fossil fuel transition language develops.
- How effectively the Türkiye–Australia split works in practice.
- Which national climate plans are updated or accelerated.
Sources
UNFCCC; Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change; EFEverde; Milliyet; QNB Sustainability.
