COP31 Begins in Bonn: Key Aspects of the Climate Negotiations Leading Up to the Antalya Summit

Although climate summits involve endless meetings with the official annual events, the Bonn negotiations (officially known as the Subsidiary Body (SB) sessions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)) are the main preparatory process for COP31, the 31st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations on Climate Change. In this German city, SB64 (the 64th session) was held. It represents the main technical negotiation space prior to COP31, which will take place in Antalya from November 9 to November 29, 2026.

In the Bonn negotiations, delegates from the 197 countries that have ratified the UNFCCC come together. This meeting is important for two reasons:

• It represents a technical and geopolitical checkpoint between official events.
• It seeks to begin translating political commitments into implementation mechanisms, and according to the United Nations, represents “a fundamental step that helps establish the agenda.”

According to Marta Torres Gunfaus, researcher and director of the climate program at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI), an international think tank based in Paris, the Bonn meetings are a critical space for the effectiveness of the COP. The reason for this is that they allow the parties to work toward mutual understanding. “In order to make meaningful decisions, it’s necessary to understand each country’s priorities, identify potential areas of common ground for a global agreement, and recognize where the red lines lie,” explained this expert, who has worked on climate policy and diplomacy for the past two decades.

What are the Bonn negotiations and why are they key to COP31?

The Bonn negotiations lay the foundation for critical issues and make it possible to advance technical work so that the main summit, COP31, can focus on the final political decisions. This period of sessions enables the climate commitments to be translated into concrete, results-oriented measures. The goal is to identify implementation barriers and strengthen alliances that help shape the agreements that will be negotiated in Antalya. According to Torres, this space also allows diplomatic figures to understand “which countries are on the fence or have not yet made up their minds, in order to apply greater diplomatic pressure or strengthen cooperation” ahead of the Climate Summit.

What agreements and progress came out of the Bonn climate meeting?

One of the main conclusions of SB64 is based on understanding the current period as “the implementation era,” as defined by Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In this regard, he underscored the role of the digital public infrastructure for climate action as “a fundamental part of the solution.” In other words, digital systems make it possible to provide services to citizens (software, digital identity mechanisms, online payment methods and so-called electronic administration). During recent sessions, this infrastructure was recognized as a “critical component” to turn commitments into real projects, as it serves as a vehicle to achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

Along with the digital component, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) has also been integrated into the negotiations because of its data analysis potential. The capabilities of these cutting-edge technologies pose a radical change, as they streamline and strengthen the implementation of the NDC in this new practical approach.

What topics will shape the agenda for COP31 in Antalya?

The Bonn negotiations have concluded with progress in:

• Emission reduction.
• Climate financing.
• Energy transition.

The international agenda has started to prioritize implementation over the creation of new commitments. Debate remains over the transition toward energy systems with lower dependence on fossil fuels, but deforestation and climate finance targets have been reinforced. The COP31 presidency has presented electrification as a central priority, proposing increasing the proportion of electricity in final energy consumption from 20 percent to 35 percent by 2035 (’35 by 35’).

• Electrification: raising the share of electrification in the final energy demand from 20 percent where it currently stands, to 35 percent.
• Waste management: cutting in half growth in global waste.
• Resilient cities: limiting the intensity of buildings’ energy consumption to less than 25 percent.

In the governance area, climate discussions have introduced the operationalization of the Just Transition Mechanism and the refinement of the adaptation indicators defined in Belém during COP30. Cross-cutting initiatives such as equity, gender equality and women’s empowerment (with the Belém Gender Action Plan), protecting the integrity of climate information against disinformation and the use of digital technologies to strengthen transparency around real-world outcomes.

Challenges and friction points in the global climate agenda

In Marta Torres’ opinion, the central debate continues to be the transition away from fossil fuels (TAFF). The focus is now on the need for all countries to define concrete plans in a complex geopolitical context. This transition creates a “strong multilevel impact,” from exporting countries to consumers, posing challenges at both the macroeconomic and microeconomic levels due to the profound local and global repercussions.

Climate finance has been the subject of discussions in recent years. The crises stemming from recent armed conflicts and trade competition have served as a barometer for countries to gauge the status of their commitments. Furthermore, some of the most critical challenges also include the rise of disinformation and denialism, which erode public confidence in science and delay the implementation of effective policies.

Türkiye’s role in COP31

Türkiye will hold the official presidency of COP31 after Australia withdrew its bid following three years of negotiations. The country aims to reinforce its position as a hub for diplomacy and energy. Its geographic location between Europe and Asia, as well as its climate agenda and social interest in environmental policies put the country in a key position. Furthermore, its proximity to the majority of the world’s proven oil and natural gas reserves gives it unique authority to lead discussions on energy security and decarbonization.

Through its strategic vision of Dialogue, Consensus and Action, the country aims to bridge the gap between global promises and the tangible delivery of results. It is an opportunity to position itself as the political driver tasked with mobilizing practical partnerships in critical areas, such as zero waste, food security and resilient cities.

Forecast and roadmap for COP31

The forecast for the November climate summit focuses on consolidating the implementation agenda where, according to Torres, the main theme will be “the transition away from fossil fuels in the context of the conflicts we are facing.” The final roadmap should focus on ensuring the widespread adoption of renewable energy and activating just transition mechanisms that guarantee equitable progress for all economies.

The final negotiation tables will have the task of unblocking agreements on financing, transparency and binding commitments. Following the technical discussions of the Bonn meetings, the road to Antalya continues.

Frequently asked questions about COP31 and the Bonn negotiations

What are the Bonn negotiations?

The Bonn negotiations are technical meetings organized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) before every Conference of the Parties (COP). Its role is to prepare the texts and agreements that will later be negotiated politically during the climate summit.

Why are the Bonn meetings important for COP31?

These meetings enable progress in key aspects such as climate financing, climate change adaptation, emission reduction and the energy transition. They also help to identify areas of consensus and disagreements among countries before COP31.

Where will COP31 be held?

COP31 will take place in Antalya, Türkiye. The summit will bring together government representatives, international organizations, businesses and civil society to negotiate new measures to fight climate change.

What will be the main topics in COP31?

Some of the priority issues include climate financing, the electrification of energy demand, adaptation to climate change, a just transition and gradual reduction of dependence on fossil fuels.

What does it mean that COP31 will focus on implementation?

It means that the focus is shifting from defining new commitments to implementing concrete measures to meet the climate objectives countries have already established in their national climate action plans.

What role does Türkiye play as the host country of COP31?

Türkiye aims to encourage dialogue among different regions and promote agreements on the energy transition, food security, resilient cities and waste management, leveraging its strategic position between Europe and Asia.