COP31 in Antalya: 102 heads of state, 160 pavilions and an empty US seat

COP31 opened on Nov. 9 in Antalya, Türkiye, and runs through Nov. 20. Türkiye holds the presidency, with Murat Kurum as COP31 president and Australian Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen leading negotiations. A World Leaders' Summit is scheduled for Nov. 11–12.

The conference is branded "COP of the Future – COP of Implementation." Its Action Agenda lists clean energy transition and electrification, zero waste and methane reduction, climate-resilient cities, green industrialization, food security, and protection of oceans and seas. Heads of state and government from 102 countries and more than 300 ministers have confirmed attendance, with 160 pavilions and 90 national delegation offices approved. Representatives from 196 parties and the EU are participating.

The electrification target known as "35 by 35" — raising electricity's share of global final energy consumption to 35% by 2035 — was unveiled by Kurum in September at New York Climate Week. IEA chief Fatih Birol has described it as an important goal of COP31.

The United States will not send an official delegation. It formally withdrew from the Paris Agreement at the start of this year. Members of Congress and U.S. businesses will still attend. The summit coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement entering into force.

Activists from 350.org have criticized hosts Türkiye and Australia for being part of a coal supply chain while remaining near silent on a global fossil fuel phase-out.

The summit takes place against record-breaking temperatures, escalating climate impacts, and growing energy insecurity.