New Delhi: The United Nations has called for reforms in the way climate negotiations are conducted at the annual Conference of the Parties (COP), with UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary Simon Stiell saying wider consultations with member countries are needed to strengthen the process.
Addressing the media during an official visit to New Delhi on July 21, Stiell said discussions on reforming COP negotiations have gained momentum three decades after the Convention was established.
“There has been significant commentary on what reforms could look like. Wider consultation with Parties is needed, and several countries have already shared views on how the process can be strengthened and evolve,” he said.
Stiell’s remarks come amid growing calls to reform COP negotiations over concerns about the participation and influence of fossil fuel companies and the use of vetoes that can stall consensus on climate action.
Highlighting the progress made under the Paris Agreement, Stiell said the world was once on track for nearly a 5°C rise in global temperatures but has since moved closer to the 1.5°C pathway, although significant efforts are still required to achieve the target needed to maintain a liveable planet.
He said COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, marked the beginning of an implementation phase, while the upcoming COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, will focus on translating climate commitments into action.
“This COP will demonstrate what implementation means, the technical aspects involved and the actions countries are taking to deliver on their commitments,” Stiell said.
Unlike previous conferences, COP31 will not centre on major negotiating issues such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) or climate finance. Instead, discussions will focus on resolving technical bottlenecks, monitoring implementation of existing commitments and advancing progress under the global Action Agenda.
Stiell noted that the conference would take place against the backdrop of worsening climate impacts, including extreme heat, wildfires, droughts and an active Atlantic hurricane season.
“Heat is impacting every community in every country and every continent. These accelerating climate impacts underline the urgency of implementation,” he said.
On India’s role, Stiell said the country would play an important part by sharing its experiences, challenges and climate solutions with other nations while learning from countries facing similar circumstances.
He also highlighted the rapid growth of clean energy investments noting that more than US$2 trillion was invested globally in clean energy last year.
“The global energy transition is now irreversible. Clean energy, infrastructure and services represent the next industrial revolution and offer countries like India an opportunity to strengthen economic growth while accelerating climate action,” he said.