By: Mohammad Naeem Qureshi, Managing Editor – Energy Update
Antalya, Türkiye – 9 November 2026
The 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) officially opened today in Antalya, Türkiye, with delegates from nearly 200 countries gathering for two weeks of critical negotiations from 9 to 20 November 2026.
More than 100,000 participants, including 91 Heads of State and around 300 Ministers, are expected to attend the summit at the Antalya EXPO Center in Aksu.
In a significant shift, the United Nations has acknowledged that limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels – the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement – is no longer achievable.
According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Emissions Gap Report, current national policies put the world on track for warming of 2.8°C this century.
COP31 President and Turkish Environment Minister Murat Kurum has branded COP31 as the “Implementation COP”, stressing that the focus will now be on turning previous commitments into action, rather than announcing new targets.
The centrepiece proposal by co-hosts Türkiye and Australia is to raise the share of electricity in global energy consumption from around 20% today to 35% by 2035.
Climate finance remains the most contentious issue. Developing nations are demanding delivery on the $300 billion annual climate finance pledge agreed at COP29, to help them adapt to rising temperatures and transition away from fossil fuels.
Energy Update will provide exclusive coverage from the Pakistan Pavilion and Energy Transition sessions at COP31 Antalya.
