COP31
The University of Reading is an official Observer of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) process, having participated in almost a decade of the global climate conference and negotiating platform. This status was obtained and maintained by The Pearl (formerly Walker Institute) and underpins our direct research in support of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which we are heavily involved in (particularly WGI on The Physical Science – with most lead authors of any single institution in the world) at UoR.
We will be present at COP31 this year in Antalya, Türkiye. You can follow our activities during COP31 as well as read updates on what is happening around the world leading up to the UNFCCC conference in November 2025.
COPCAS®
We, in The Pearl Academy, will be thrilled to welcome our new cohort of COPCAS® 2026 to our COP Climate Action Studio programme which will be hosted live again this year! During the UNFCCC conference students will engaged remotely with COP31, watching sessions, conducting interviews, and discussing the issues they encounter. They will also be encouraged to relate COP31 to their research topics and translate and communicate COP31 developments to different audiences. They will be engaged with social media, write blogs and produced videos for The Pearl communication platforms and other media outlets. Make sure you look out for blogs and other outputs from COPCAS® that might help you make sense of COP31 developments posted on the The Pearl’s website.
COP31 Action Agenda priorities
Under the Action pillar, the Presidency will focus on accelerating implementation through the following priority areas:
- Strengthening zero‑waste and circular economy approaches
- Accelerating the clean energy transition
- Supporting green and low‑carbon industrialisation
- Increasing the resilience of vulnerable regions, oceans, and seas
- Supporting food security and sustainable agricultural systems
- Promoting climate‑resilient and sustainable cities
- Strengthening financial and institutional mechanisms for climate action
- Increasing the active participation of youth
- Promoting cross‑sectoral action addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation
Together, these priorities reflect a holistic agenda encompassing resource efficiency, energy security, renewable energy, nature‑based solutions, sustainable water use, disaster‑resilient infrastructure, local climate action, and strong multi‑stakeholder partnerships.
Useful Updates and Information on COP31
Bonn Climate Change Conference, 8-18 June 2026
Climate diplomats from around the world gathered in Bonn, Germany this June to discuss global efforts to cut emissions and the outcomes of the first GST. More information.
COP30 Global Ethical Stocktake (GES)
The Global Ethical Stocktake (GES), a series of regional dialogues and global discussions that aim to integrate ethical considerations, justice, and equity into climate action, complementing the technical Global Stocktake (GST)is a key element in the lead-up to COP30, with the goal of shaping a fairer and safer future for all.
COP31 President‑Designate’s letter
The COP31 President-Designate Murat Kurum, current Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, has sent a letter announcing the COP31 Presidency Action Agenda priorities.