COLOMBO ; The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. This landmark event will include a World Leaders’ Summit on 11 and 12 November, bringing together Heads of State and Government to reaffirm their commitment to collective climate action.
As the world’s largest international gathering on climate change, COP31 will convene policymakers, scientists, environmental organisations, and civil society representatives to exchange perspectives, share solutions, and contribute to global efforts to address the climate crisis.
This year’s Conference will be guided by a unique partnership between Türkiye and Australia. Türkiye will assume the COP31 Presidency and lead the Action Agenda, while Australia will serve as President of Negotiations. This collaboration reflects the importance of inclusive leadership and shared responsibility in tackling one of the greatest challenges of our time.
Climate change continues to pose an existential threat to all humanity. The past eleven years have been the warmest on record, while heatwaves, droughts, floods, cyclones, and wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. These events threaten lives, livelihoods, and sustainable development efforts worldwide.
Recent climate-related disasters, including Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka and devastating floods in Nepal, along with the far-reaching impacts of El Niño, have highlighted the growing vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events and climate-related risks. No country is immune, and no society can afford complacency.
Over the past three decades, the international community has established a comprehensive multilateral framework to address climate change. Yet, a significant gap remains between agreed objectives and their effective implementation. Closing this gap is essential in accelerating global climate action and delivering meaningful progress on the ground. Against this backdrop, COP31 will be known as the “COP of Implementation.” Its agenda will place emphasis on translating commitments into tangible solutions, prioritising concrete action over rhetoric. Türkiye, as COP31 Presidency, is determined to contribute to a more effective and inclusive global climate response, ensuring that international pledges result in lasting outcomes.
For Sri Lanka and the wider South Asian region, COP31 represents an opportunity to amplify voices from climate-vulnerable nations and strengthen cooperation with Türkiye and other international partners. Shared experiences of climate-related disasters remind us that resilience must be built collectively. Türkiye’s leadership at COP31 will focus on bridging divides, fostering dialogue, and advancing practical measures that protect people, ecosystems, and economies.
As host of COP31, Türkiye is honoured to welcome the world leaders to Antalya. We are committed to ensuring that this Conference delivers not only ambitious declarations but also concrete steps toward a safer, more sustainable future. Together, through unity of purpose and determination, we can rise to the challenge of climate change and safeguard our planet for generations to come. Pic Shutter stock
