The COP31 agenda sets measurable 2035 goals for electrification, waste reduction, greener buildings and circular materials ahead of November’s Antalya climate summit.
NEW YORK: The COP31 agenda has been detailed by Türkiye with a strong focus on clean energy, cutting waste and making cities more resilient, as the country prepares to host the UN climate conference in Antalya from November 9 to 20, 2026.
COP31 President Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, presented the agenda at a United Nations event in New York. The presidency is positioning this year’s summit around implementation, with an emphasis on turning existing climate commitments into measurable projects and investment.
The plan contains 10 priority themes. These include clean energy transition, zero waste, climate-resilient cities, green industrialisation, food security, oceans and seas, youth and education, health systems and the Climate Implementation Bridge.
What are the biggest COP31 targets?
Energy is one of the clearest priorities.
The COP31 agenda calls for electricity to meet 35% of global final energy demand by 2035, up from just over 20% when the target was announced. The initiative is intended to accelerate electrification across transport, buildings and industry while supporting cleaner electricity supplies.
Waste is another major focus. Türkiye’s presidency wants to halve the projected growth in global waste by 2035 while expanding circular-economy practices and tackling methane emissions associated with the waste sector.
Cities and buildings also feature prominently. The presidency is targeting at least a 25% reduction in building-sector energy intensity by 2035, alongside greater use of low-carbon construction, resilient infrastructure and sustainable finance for cities.
Another goal is to increase circular material use in manufacturing and production to at least 15% by 2035.
Moving climate promises towards projects
Türkiye is also promoting a Climate Implementation Bridge designed to connect countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions with investment and delivery. The intention is to help turn national climate plans into projects capable of attracting finance.
Kurum also announced a Green Industrialisation Facilitation Mechanism aimed at helping least-developed countries connect with technology and financing opportunities. Additional initiatives are expected around areas including green freight, food security and cleaner technology.
The COP31 agenda does not mean these targets have already become binding commitments for participating governments. The Action Agenda operates alongside the formal UN climate negotiations and is intended to mobilise voluntary implementation and cooperation.
COP31 itself will bring governments, businesses and climate organisations to Antalya, with the World Leaders Climate Action Summit scheduled for November 11 and 12.
Impact to expect
Implementation. Türkiye’s agenda puts measurable targets at the centre of COP31, increasing pressure on governments, companies and financial institutions to demonstrate how climate commitments can translate into practical projects.
