The climate crisis is gaining even greater prominence on the global agenda with each passing year, and the COP summits, held annually in different countries, represent the most important international platform for addressing this challenge. In 2026, it will be Türkiye's turn: COP31 will take place in Antalya from November 9–20, 2026. So, what is COP31, when and where will it be held, and which topics will be at the forefront of its agenda? We have brought together everything you need to know in this article.

What Is COP (Conference of the Parties) and Why Is It Important?

COP stands for "Conference of the Parties." Approximately 200 countries and the European Union that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), adopted in 1992, come together at COP conferences, which serve as the Convention's highest decision-making body. The first COP was held in Berlin, Germany, in 1995. Since then, the summit has been held annually in a different country, with its numbering reflecting the sequence of these conferences.

The primary objectives of COP summits are to reach common decisions on reducing greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, increasing climate finance for developing countries, and ensuring climate justice. From COP21, where the Paris Agreement was adopted, to COP28 in Dubai, where the decision to transition away from fossil fuels was reached, many critical milestones have taken place at these summits. As a result, COP has evolved into a global platform closely followed not only by governments but also by scientists, non-governmental organizations, and businesses.

When and Where Will COP31 Be Held?

The dates for COP31 have been confirmed: the summit will take place from November 9–20, 2026. The location of COP31 is Antalya, with the conference being held at and around the EXPO 2016 Antalya site. As part of the preparations, the area has officially been renamed the "COP31 Area," and infrastructure works are progressing rapidly.

Türkiye became a party to the UNFCCC in 2004 and will host the summit for the first time with COP31. The hosting process began when Türkiye announced its candidacy in 2022 and was finalized following negotiations at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Accordingly, while Türkiye will host the summit, Australia will lead the negotiations, and it has been decided that the Pre-COP meeting will be held in a Pacific island country. Through a Presidential Circular, Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, was appointed President of COP31.

Government representatives, scientists, non-governmental organizations, companies, and journalists from nearly 200 countries are expected to attend the summit, with participation at the level of heads of state anticipated from at least 60 countries.

What Are the Key Topics on the COP31 2026 Agenda?

COP31 is intended to be an "Implementation COP," meaning that one of its primary objectives is to turn commitments made at previous conferences into concrete action. The Action Agenda established by the COP31 Presidency highlights priority themes such as zero waste, oceans and seas, food security, and climate-resilient cities.

Steps taken at previous summits will also shape the COP31 agenda. Key issues in Antalya will include implementing the Loss and Damage Fund agreed upon at COP27, translating the decision to transition away from fossil fuels adopted at COP28 in Dubai into concrete action, and delivering the annual climate finance targets established at COP29 in Baku. The goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C will remain a common thread throughout these discussions.

COP31 application processes are also an important part of the agenda. Applications from national and international organizations for partnerships and Türkiye Pavilion side events are being accepted through official portals. Applications for the large-scale volunteer program created for those wishing to contribute to the summit as volunteers have already closed due to high demand.

Why Is Hosting COP31 in Türkiye Important?

Hosting COP31 in Türkiye is regarded as an important development that will strengthen the country's role in climate diplomacy. With its strategic position between developed and developing countries, Türkiye has the opportunity to play a mediating role in climate negotiations. At the same time, the summit provides the country with an opportunity to showcase its sustainable development vision and its work in areas such as renewable energy and zero waste directly to the international community.

The economic impact is also expected to be significant. Between 80,000 and 100,000 domestic and international participants are expected to attend the summit. This is likely to generate substantial activity across Antalya's economy, particularly in the hospitality, transportation, gastronomy, and events sectors. Tourism industry representatives state that the impact of the organization will extend beyond the immediate conference area and benefit Antalya as a whole.

What Preparations Are Underway in Antalya and Belek for COP31?

Preparations are progressing rapidly across Antalya as the city gets ready to host the summit. Construction and infrastructure works are continuing at the former EXPO site, where the conference will be held, while roads in the surrounding area are also being renovated to international standards by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

Upper-upscale hotels in Belek, where heads of state and high-level delegations will be accommodated, are also preparing for the organization. Industry representatives report that many properties in the region have allocated a significant portion of their capacity to COP31, while some hotels have already received a high volume of reservations. Not only Belek, Kundu, and Lara, but also properties in other parts of Antalya, particularly Kaleiçi, are approaching full occupancy for November.

Hotel operators state that they are undergoing a much more comprehensive preparation process than a typical end-of-season period. From food and beverage services to security protocols, from interior arrangements to staff planning, every detail is being brought up to a standard suitable for hosting heads of state and high-level delegations.

In short, Belek and its surrounding areas are completing their final preparations to host this global summit, which will place the region at the center of the world's climate agenda in November.