COP31 Countdown: What to Know Five Days Before Antalya Opens
COP31 opens 9 November in Antalya. Here is what to know about dates, the Blue and Green Zones, the leaders' summit and Murat Kurum's countdown.
COP31 Countdown: What to Know Five Days Before the Antalya Summit Opens
COP31 President Murat Kurum released a countdown video on 4 November with representatives from different countries marking five days to the conference. The UN climate conference opens on 9 November.
Key dates
COP31 runs 9–20 November 2026 at the Antalya Expo Center, with leaders meeting 11–12 November.
Two zones
The Blue Zone hosts official negotiations and is open only to registered participants. The Green Zone is open to the public. The Green Zone will offer debates, concerts and dedicated zero-waste spaces.
Background
Organisers expect 196 countries and about 1.5 million visitors. Earlier estimates varied: Daily Sabah cited planning for about 100,000 visitors a day, and other reports gave different totals. Kurum chairs the conference and Australia‘s Chris Bowen presides over negotiations.
What to watch
Delegates will focus on a presidency-led decision on 1.5°C and on a possible just transition mechanism. Civil society groups plan an alternative People’s Climate Summit with a march on 14 November, while Antalya’s governor now approves demonstrations.
Conclusion
With five days left, the logistics are set and attention turns to the negotiating text. The first test is how the opening days and the leaders’ summit set the tone.
