From Bonn climate meetings to Antalya: the milestones shaping the next phase of global climate action
From the Bonn Climate Meetings to regional consultations, ministerial discussions, pre-COP31 negotiations, and finally the conference in Antalya, Türkiye, each milestone throughout 2026 will contribute to shaping the decisions that define the next phase of global climate action. As countries move from setting commitments toward implementation, the COP31 process represents a critical opportunity to strengthen international cooperation, address remaining gaps in ambition, and ensure that climate policies respond to the growing impacts of climate change on societies, economies, and human health.
The COP31 Presidency, led by Australia, has begun preparations for the conference by initiating consultations with Parties, appointing co-facilitators, developing the structure of negotiations, and preparing initial draft negotiation texts. These early steps are intended to establish the priorities and political direction for the 2026 climate agenda, while ensuring that discussions reflect the needs and perspectives of diverse regions, particularly those most vulnerable to climate impacts.
The Presidency’s work will help guide negotiations on key issues including climate finance, adaptation, mitigation, transparency, and implementation of existing commitments under the Paris Agreement.
At the Bonn Climate Meetings in June 2026, technical negotiations under the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) advanced draft negotiation texts across the COP31 agenda. These sessions provided an important platform for governments, technical experts, and observers to review progress since previous climate conferences, resolve outstanding issues, and prepare the foundation for decisions to be considered in Antalya. While Bonn does not produce major political agreements, it plays an essential role in narrowing differences between Parties and ensuring that negotiations enter COP31 with greater clarity and momentum.
Throughout 2026, countries will also continue submitting their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) under the Paris Agreement. These national climate plans represent each country’s commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening climate resilience. The UNFCCC Secretariat will compile and assess these updated commitments to provide a clearer picture of global progress, identify remaining emissions gaps, and inform political discussions ahead of COP31. Strengthening ambition within these NDCs will be essential, as current trajectories continue to indicate that additional action is needed to align global efforts with the Paris Agreement’s temperature goals.
Later in the year, the Pacific Pre-COP Meeting will bring together ministers and climate leaders to address the unique challenges facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and limited access to climate finance. The meeting will serve as the final major political milestone before COP31, creating space for Pacific nations to highlight their priorities and advocate for stronger international support. Discussions are expected to focus on financing mechanisms, resilience-building efforts, and initiatives such as the Pacific Resilience Facility, which aims to strengthen locally led adaptation and climate resilience across vulnerable communities.
In November, the global climate community will convene in Antalya, Türkiye, for COP31, marking the conclusion of the 2026 UNFCCC negotiation cycle and a pivotal moment for accelerating climate action. The conference will provide a platform for governments to advance commitments on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and climate finance, while translating previous agreements into concrete implementation strategies. Key areas of focus will include accelerating electrification, advancing waste reduction and a circular economy, building resilient cities and infrastructure, increasing access to climate finance, and strengthening national climate commitments through enhanced NDCs.
Beyond emissions reductions, COP31 will also be an important opportunity to recognize the broader social and human consequences of climate change. As climate-related health risks continue to increase, integrating health considerations into climate decision-making will be essential to protecting vulnerable populations and strengthening resilience. By connecting climate action with outcomes such as healthier communities, stronger health systems, and more equitable development, COP31 can help reinforce the shared commitment to keeping the 1.5°C goal within reach while ensuring that climate policies deliver meaningful benefits for people around the world.
