Delegates gather in Antalya for UN climate talks

Delegates from nearly every country in the world are gathering in Antalya, Turkey, for the 31st edition of the United Nations climate talks. DW and the United Nations both report that the conference, known as COP31, takes place from November 9 to November 20, 2026. The summit is hosted in a year marked by mounting global pressure from droughts, floods and extreme heat. [1][2][3]

Organisers are using marketing materials featuring promotional videos to portray Turkey as modern and eco-conscious. DW reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and First Lady Emine Erdogan both appear in the summit campaign. Emine Erdogan called climate change one of the most visible manifestations of the burden human activity has placed on the planet. [1]

The event is held at the Expo Center in Antalya, Turkey. It represents the 31st formal session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. [8]

Negotiators face high expectations to translate past commitments into concrete implementation during the 12-day summit. DW reported that delegates aim to move beyond big promises as extreme climate events increase urgency worldwide. [1]