COP, the UN climate convention and Paris
COP means Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). COP31 is the thirty-first session of that process. Countries meet to negotiate collective responses to greenhouse-gas emissions, climate impacts and international cooperation.
The 2015 Paris Agreement aims to hold warming well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. A single conference cannot resolve the climate crisis. Annual meetings help countries review commitments and work on implementation. Distinguish the underlying convention, the Paris Agreement and the decisions adopted by their respective bodies.
When, where and who leads COP31?
According to the official UNFCCC programme, COP31 will take place at the Antalya Expo Center in Türkiye from 9 to 20 November 2026. Türkiye is hosting the meeting. UNFCCC identifies Murat Kurum as the nominated COP31 President and Australia's Chris Bowen as President of Negotiations. The latest programme and participant rules should always be checked on the official site.
A World Leaders' Summit is scheduled for 11–12 November 2026. Those dates do not cover every negotiating session or side event. As of 2 November 2026, the conference has not yet taken place; this guide describes confirmed preparations rather than predicting its final agreements.
What issues are negotiated?
Climate negotiations commonly address mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology and capacity-building. Mitigation seeks to reduce emissions that cause warming. Adaptation concerns preparation for hazards such as heatwaves, droughts and floods. Climate finance discussions consider differing needs and responsibilities across countries.
A nationally determined contribution, or NDC, states a country's climate targets and plans. It is not proof that those targets have already been met. When assessing a pledge, ask about its baseline, sector coverage, conditions and implementation timeline. Our climate misinformation guide offers practical ways to evaluate claims and graphics.
Who can participate? Blue and Green Zones
Official negotiations involve Party delegations and accredited observers under UNFCCC procedures. The Blue Zone is reserved for registered and authorised participants. The Green Zone, managed by host country Türkiye, is intended for public engagement, exhibitions and events; consult official information for entry arrangements and opening times.
Young people, researchers, community organisations and businesses may contribute through various events and discussions. However, a speech at a side event is not automatically a decision adopted by governments. Verify accreditation, registration and security instructions through the UNFCCC participant information page rather than relying on unofficial messages.
How to read COP31 announcements
During the conference, journalists will report on speeches, draft negotiating texts, presidency statements and political pledges. These are not interchangeable with formally adopted decisions. Before describing a document as agreed, check the official UNFCCC decision record, its date and the body that adopted it.
Do not present a voluntary announcement as a legally binding global rule. Ask which countries are participating, what finance or implementation mechanism exists and when progress must be reported. Final outcomes cannot be known before negotiations conclude. This guide does not automatically update conference results.
A seven-day learning and tracking plan
Day 1: confirm the venue, dates and agenda on the UNFCCC COP31 website. Day 2: review the Paris Agreement temperature goals and NDCs. Day 3: explain mitigation and adaptation with two local examples. Day 4: compare Blue Zone, Green Zone and accreditation requirements.
Day 5: compare two news reports about the same COP31 topic and identify their primary sources. Day 6: distinguish a public speech from an adopted decision. Day 7: prepare a short student briefing with dates, issues, official references and unresolved questions. The e-NetCoM COP31 project page offers related project material.
Official sources to verify
UNFCCC — COP31 conference ↗UNFCCC — About COP31 ↗UNFCCC — Information for Participants ↗United Nations — COP31 overview ↗COP31 Türkiye — Official FAQ ↗Prepared as of 2 November 2026. Conference programmes and decisions can change; consult the official UNFCCC website for updates.