From Ambition to Implementation: Business Delivering at COP31
Overview
COP31 is a critical moment to turn global climate ambition into accelerated implementation across the real economy.
Taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9–20 November 2026, WBCSD is working with the COP31 Presidencies of Türkiye and Australia, governments, businesses and partners to close implementation gaps, accelerate practical solutions and strengthen the partnerships needed to deliver progress beyond the COP.
The Global Climate Action Agenda (GCAA) complements and reinforces the formal negotiations, providing a platform for voluntary initiatives, partnerships and coalitions that can accelerate implementation. The COP31 Action Agenda continues to deliver across the six axes of the Global Climate Action Agenda established at COP30.
Within the COP31 Action Agenda there are ten priority implementation outcomes with WBCSD contributing in five areas;
The Action Agenda will provide opportunities throughout COP31 for stakeholders to showcase initiatives, share best practice and build partnerships that can accelerate delivery.
Why this matters for business
Bringing business into the Action Agenda
COP31 is where implementation becomes competitive advantage. As a partner for implementation, WBCSD gives members influence over the Action Agenda, visibility with policymakers and investors, and a direct line to the partnerships that turn ambition into bankable results.
Our engagement will focus on three priorities:
Priority areas/tracks
Shaping COPs to enable business action
WBCSD will help shape an Action Agenda that enables businesses to scale solutions faster. Working alongside the COP31 Presidency, WBCSD will bring business perspectives into high-level discussions, helping strengthen the role of business in delivering the outcomes of COP31.
This includes business representation at the World Leaders Summit, partnering on the COP31 Business Forum and Business & Investment Summit and convening the Friends of the Action Agenda with governments.
Closing implementation gaps
WBCSD will showcase what is already working and mobilize action where progress needs to accelerate.
WBCSD will bring solutions and business action through specific initiatives, demonstrating progress across sectors and moving forward the frontiers on the policies, investment, technologies and collaboration needed to scale implementation.
We will support the Presidency’s priorities while also tracking wider business action across the Global Climate Action Agenda, including nature, resilience, finance, technology and the transition to more circular and resource-efficient economies.
Sparking connections
COP31 provides a unique opportunity to bring the right people together to tackle blockers and develop solutions. WBCSD will convene business leaders, policymakers, investors and partners through targeted high-level moments, roundtables and events designed to build the relationships and coalitions needed to accelerate implementation.
A WBCSD business delegation will engage with policymakers , while dedicated member engagement opportunities will create space for members to connect, exchange experiences and identify opportunities for collaboration around the priorities shaping COP31.
Members attending COP31 should complete our COP participation survey to be considered for the business delegation and to be kept informed of speaking and networking opportunities. The survey link is shared with WBCSD members during our Member briefings. Please contact copaction@wbcsd.org for more information.
High-level engagement moments
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| World Leaders Summit | 11 and 12 November | Heads of State and Government will convene for the World Leaders Summit to provide political momentum for implementation of the COP31 Presidency’s priorities and strengthen international cooperation. WBCSD will support business representation and bring the voice of business into discussions on how to translate ambition into action. |
| Business & Investment Summit | 12 and 13 November | WBCSD will contribute to the COP31 Business & Investment Summit, bringing practical, real-economy solutions, business leadership and investment perspectives into the implementation agenda. |
WBCSD COP31 Executive Networking Dinner, hosted with Sabanci Holding | 13 November | WBCSD and Sabanci Holding will host an evening reception for members and invited guests, providing an opportunity for business leaders, partners and stakeholders to connect and exchange around the priorities and opportunities emerging from COP31. |
For more details, please contact the COP Action Team