By CJAM News Desk

United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell has called for faster delivery of climate solutions as COP31 opened in Antalya, Türkiye, on 9 November, 2026, urging governments to turn existing commitments into practical results.

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, WMO Secretary General Celeste Saulo, Wellcome Director of Climate and Health Dr Alan Dangour, at press conference at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. Credit: UN Climate Change, Kiara Worth

“COP31 must supercharge solutions,” Stiell said, identifying access to finance, renewable energy expansion and methane reductions as priorities. He called for action to deliver the previously agreed tripling of adaptation finance and address barriers preventing countries from accessing available funding.

Stiell also acknowledged that many developing countries have struggled to participate fully in the conference’s Action Agenda, limiting opportunities to strengthen resilience and advance clean energy. He invited countries to nominate focal points to improve engagement.

COP31 President Murat Kurum proposed a Climate Implementation Bridge to connect funding and technology with countries and projects needing support. Negotiations President Chris Bowen stressed easier finance access and stronger community resilience. These opening statements outlined priorities; they did not constitute new negotiated agreements.

For CJAM’s African readership, the accountability question is practical: will implementation create accessible pathways for community solutions to secure support, grow and deliver measurable benefits?