Antalya, October 11 — COP31, the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, will convene in Antalya, Türkiye from November 9 to November 20, 2026, with a focus on financing climate solutions, adaptation strategies, and transitioning away from fuels, building on unresolved issues from COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
At COP30, which concluded on November 22, 2025, delegates launched the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a fund designed to compensate countries for preserving forests, and made progress on adaptation metrics, Indigenous Peoples’ recognition, and Article 6 carbon market rules. However, efforts to include a roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels in the final text failed due to opposition from major fossil fuel producers, despite 88 countries backing such a roadmap during the second week.
Language on reforming fossil fuel subsidies was also removed from the final agreement. The Nature Conservancy assessed COP30 as delivering real progress but falling short on key goals, particularly fossil fuel phase-down. In response, the organization continues to advocate for climate finance solutions through its Playbook for Climate Finance, which outlines 10 approaches to mobilize public and private capital, strengthen nationally determined contributions (NDCs), scale adaptation metrics, ensure just transitions, and improve implementation and accountability.
The Nature Conservancy plans to attend COP31 to advance its advocacy for nature-based solutions, renewable energy investment, and inclusive climate policy that centers Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).
Conference Mechanics and Rotation
COP31 follows the annual rotating principle of the UNFCCC, where the conference moves between the five UN regional groups to emphasize global collaboration. Antalya was selected as the 2026 venue in accordance with this rotation. Delegates at COP31 will report on national progress, negotiate updated climate goals, and work toward implementing previously agreed frameworks, as any final text of a COP must be agreed by consensus.
The United Nations Climate Change Conferences are yearly conferences held in the framework of the UNFCCC. They serve as the formal meeting of the UNFCCC parties to assess progress in dealing with climate change.
Beginning in the mid-1990s, they negotiated the Kyoto Protocol to establish legally binding obligations for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Starting in 2005, the conferences have also served as the Conference of the Parties Serving as the Meeting of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP). From 2011 to 2015, the meetings were used to negotiate the Paris Agreement as part of the Durban platform, which created a general path towards climate action.
Member states of the UNFCCC meet annually at the COP to assess progress in combating climate change. COP provides a platform for governments, NGOs, and the private sector to collaborate and determine strategies for global climate policy and action.
These conferences offer an opportunity to discuss climate governance measures, reduce carbon emissions, and promote the transition to more sustainable energy sources. The UN Climate Change Conferences serve as key forums for shaping global policy, where representatives of various countries jointly address the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions and support states in enhancing their resilience to climate impacts. Looking ahead, COP31 will test whether parties can overcome the fossil fuel transition impasse seen at COP30 while advancing finance and adaptation goals.
The Nature Conservancy’s attendance signals continued civil society pressure for nature-based solutions and inclusive policy. With the US administration under President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the role of major economies in financing and technology transfer will be closely watched as negotiations proceed in Antalya.
