13 November 2026: The world’s biggest annual climate meeting is under way in Antalya, Türkiye. The 31st UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP31, opened on 9 November and runs until 20 November, bringing together government delegations, scientists, businesses and civil society groups from almost every country. Today’s sessions focus on finance and trade, one of the most debated topics in climate talks. Here is a simple guide to what COP31 is, who is leading it, what is on the agenda and why it matters for India.
What Is COP31?
COP stands for Conference of the Parties, the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was adopted in 1992. Countries meet every year to review progress, negotiate new rules and push for stronger action to limit global warming. COP31 follows COP30, which was held in Belém, Brazil, in 2025.
Alongside COP31, the same venue hosts the meeting of parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 21), the meeting of parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA 8) and two technical subsidiary bodies, SBSTA and SBI.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Dates | 9 to 20 November 2026 |
| Venue | Antalya EXPO Center, Soğucaksu, Antalya, Türkiye |
| COP31 President | Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change |
| President of Negotiations | Chris Bowen of Australia |
| Leaders’ Summit | 11 and 12 November |
| Previous COP | COP30, Belém, Brazil (2025) |
A Shared Presidency
COP31 has an unusual leadership structure. Türkiye is the host and holds the COP presidency, managing operations and logistics and driving the climate action agenda. Australia, which had also sought to host the conference, leads the negotiations through Chris Bowen as President of Negotiations. As part of the arrangement, pre-COP meetings were held in the Pacific, including Fiji and Tuvalu, so that small island nations, among the most vulnerable to rising seas, had a direct say in shaping the agenda.
Daily Themes in the First Week
The conference assigns thematic focus areas to each day. The first week has included:
- 9 November: Food, agriculture and health
- 10 November: Energy and transport
- 11 November: Zero waste
- 12 November: Resilient cities and the built environment
- 13 November: Finance and trade
World leaders gathered in Antalya on 11 and 12 November for the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, held on the third and fourth days of the conference rather than at the very start, in a bid to give fresh political momentum to the negotiations. A resumed high-level segment for ministers is scheduled for 17 and 18 November in the second week.
The Big Issues on the Table
Climate Finance
Money remains the central question. Developing countries need large amounts of funding to shift to clean energy and to adapt to heatwaves, floods and droughts. Negotiators are looking at how to deliver the finance goals agreed in recent years and how to make funds easier to access.
National Climate Plans
Under the Paris Agreement, countries submit national plans called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Pressure is on countries to strengthen and implement these plans, as current pledges still fall short of keeping warming well below 2 degrees Celsius.
Adaptation and Loss and Damage
Vulnerable regions, including the Mediterranean and Pacific island nations, are pushing for stronger support to adapt to climate impacts and to deal with losses that cannot be avoided.
Technology and AI
Technology also features at this COP. UNESCO, the Brazilian government and the International Telecommunication Union have scheduled the operational launch of an Artificial Intelligence Climate Institute for 16 November at COP31, reflecting growing interest in using AI for climate research and action.
Why COP31 Matters for India
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and also one of the countries most exposed to climate risks, from extreme heat and erratic monsoons to coastal flooding. At climate talks, India has consistently argued that developed countries, which are responsible for most historical emissions, should provide more finance and technology to developing nations, while India pursues its own clean energy expansion.
Outcomes on finance and trade are especially important. Decisions on climate funding affect how quickly India and other developing countries can scale up solar, wind, green hydrogen and electric mobility. Trade-related climate measures, such as carbon border taxes introduced by some economies, could affect Indian exporters of steel, aluminium and other goods, making today’s finance and trade discussions directly relevant.
India has also expressed interest in hosting a future COP. At COP28 in Dubai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed that India host COP33 in 2028, which would put the country at the centre of global climate diplomacy.
What Happens Next
Negotiations will continue through the second week, with ministers arriving to settle the most difficult issues. COP meetings often run past their scheduled closing day as countries work late into the night to agree on final texts. The outcome documents released at the end will show how much progress has been made on finance, national plans and adaptation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is COP31 being held?
COP31 is being held at the Antalya EXPO Center in Antalya, Türkiye.
When does COP31 end?
The conference is scheduled to end on 20 November 2026.
Who is the President of COP31?
Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, is the COP31 President, while Australia’s Chris Bowen is President of Negotiations.
What does COP stand for?
COP stands for Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
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