COP31: 5 Key Climate Priorities & Sustainability Experts Addressing These Topics

The COP31 agenda reflects the growing importance of sustainability in shaping government policy, business strategy and international cooperation. As organisations face increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact whilst maintaining commercial performance and understanding the direction of global climate action has never been more important.

Drawing on experience in government, global business, environmental campaigning and sustainable development, these sustainability keynote speakers help organisations understand the commercial implications of climate change and turn global sustainability challenges into practical business action.

What is COP31?

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is an annual United Nations climate summit where world leaders come together to agree on actions to address climate change. This year, COP31 will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from the 9th to 20th November 2026, bringing together governments, business leaders and climate experts to advance global climate efforts. Turkey’s position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East makes it a significant location for the summit, providing an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and bring diverse regional perspectives into global climate discussions.

Source: United Nations Climate Change

What is on the COP31 Agenda in 2026?

This year’s Action Agenda covers a broad range of environmental priorities, including the protection of natural ecosystems, reducing carbon emissions, energy transition and climate adaptation and resilience. The agenda also emphasises the importance of technological innovation, climate education and international cooperation in accelerating environmental progress.

Through its Action Agenda, COP31 aims to turn these priorities into practical solutions, strengthen existing climate commitments and encourage progress towards long-term environmental sustainability.

Source: COP31 & UK Parliament

5 Key COP31 Climate Topics and the Experts Leading the Conversation

The following five COP31 priorities highlight where businesses may need to adapt, alongside the leading sustainability and climate change keynote speakers with relevant experience and credentials on these topics.

1. Clean Energy Transition

The Expert: David Howell

Former Secretary of State for Energy, David Howell brings extensive experience in energy policy, international relations and the geopolitical challenges surrounding sustainability. His work has explored alternative energy supplies and the complex decisions governments face when balancing energy security with environmental responsibilities. As a keynote speaker, David offers businesses insight into the political and economic forces shaping energy markets, helping audiences understand why the clean energy transition is as much a question of security and strategy as environmental responsibility.

2. Zero Waste & The Circular Economy

Zero waste is among the priorities highlighted by COP31, reflecting the growing importance of waste prevention, resource efficiency and circular business models. Rather than relying on traditional approaches to production and disposal, organisations are increasingly examining how products and materials can remain in use for longer. Circular economy strategies can help businesses reduce material costs, improve supply chain resilience and respond to changing environmental expectations. For consumer-facing brands, initiatives such as repair services and resale programmes also create opportunities to build stronger customer relationships while reducing dependence on newly extracted resources.

The Expert: Pia Heidenmark Cook

Former Chief Sustainability Officer at Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, Pia Heidenmark Cook has extensive experience integrating sustainability into commercial operations. During her leadership, IKEA expanded circular initiatives, including furniture take-back schemes, repair services and second-hand retail. Her experience demonstrates how established businesses can rethink product lifecycles and develop more resource-efficient operations without abandoning commercial objectives. As a sustainability keynote speaker, Pia discusses the practical challenges of embedding environmental responsibility into business strategy, making her particularly relevant to COP31 discussions surrounding zero waste and circular economy solutions.

3. Climate-Resilient Cities & Buildings

Creating climate-resilient cities and buildings is another major focus of the COP31. With urban areas facing growing exposure to extreme heat, flooding and other climate-related hazards, governments and businesses must consider how infrastructure can adapt to changing environmental conditions. This has significant implications for property developers, employers and organisations managing physical assets. Climate resilience can influence construction standards, workplace safety, insurance costs and business continuity planning. Investment in resilient infrastructure can help organisations protect employees and operations while supporting cities that remain liveable and economically productive as climate risks evolve.

The Expert: Alice Charles

Former Lead of Cities, Infrastructure and Urban Services at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Alice Charles specialises in sustainable urban development and the relationship between infrastructure, technology and climate change. Her work includes the WEF’s Fourth Industrial Revolution City Preparedness Protocol, which examined how cities can prepare for emerging technologies. Drawing on extensive experience in urban planning and development, Alice helps corporate audiences understand how better infrastructure decisions can support environmental resilience. Her expertise directly supports COP31’s focus on climate-resilient cities and buildings, demonstrating how sustainable urban planning and infrastructure development can help communities adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.

4. Green Industrialisation

Green industrialisation is a significant priority, focusing on how industrial sectors can reduce emissions while remaining economically competitive. Industries such as steel, cement and manufacturing face stronger challenges because their production processes can be energy-intensive and difficult to decarbonise. Businesses must consider investment in cleaner technologies, changing supply chain requirements and the commercial opportunities associated with low-carbon products. The transition also raises important questions about workforce development and employment. For business leaders, understanding green industrialisation is essential when planning long-term investment, maintaining competitiveness and preparing operations for an increasingly carbon-constrained economy.

The Expert: Nigel Topping

Nigel Topping served as the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP26, working to mobilise businesses, investors and other non-state actors towards climate action. His involvement with initiatives including Race to Zero has placed him at the centre of international efforts to accelerate corporate decarbonisation. Nigel brings experience connecting global climate ambitions with practical business commitments, particularly around industrial transformation and the transition to net zero. As a climate change keynote speaker, he helps organisations understand how green industrialisation can influence corporate strategy, investment and long-term competitiveness.

5. Oceans & Seas

Ocean conservation is another important element of the COP31 Action Agenda, recognising the role marine ecosystems play in climate regulation and environmental resilience. For businesses, ocean protection has implications for supply chains, plastic packaging, marine resources and environmental accountability. Organisations operating in sectors such as tourism, manufacturing and consumer goods can contribute through responsible sourcing and pollution prevention. Protecting marine ecosystems is therefore both an environmental responsibility and a consideration for long-term business resilience.

The Expert: David Mayer de Rothschild

Environmental explorer and Founder of the Sculpt the Future Foundation, David Mayer de Rothschild is recognised for using ambitious expeditions to raise awareness of environmental issues. He developed Plastiki, a catamaran constructed using reclaimed materials, including approximately 12,500 plastic bottles, and sailed it across the Pacific Ocean to highlight marine plastic pollution. His work combines environmental campaigning with innovative approaches to sustainability communication. As a keynote speaker, David draws on these experiences to engage audiences with ocean conservation, plastic waste and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions About COP31

Why is COP31 Important for Businesses?

COP31 is important because international climate negotiations can influence future environmental policies, investment priorities and corporate sustainability strategies.

The United Nations Climate Change Secretariat identifies the implementation of climate solutions and the global energy transition as central priorities for COP31. This is particularly relevant to organisations working towards net-zero targets or preparing for climate-related business risks. Business leaders can use these discussions to inform sustainability planning and assess how emerging climate policies may affect their operations.

What is the Commercial Value of Addressing COP31 Topics at Corporate Events?

Addressing COP31 topics at corporate events can help organisations turn complex climate discussions into practical business decisions. Climate change and sustainability keynote speakers can provide industry-specific perspectives that support employee understanding, strategic planning and more informed investment decisions.

For example, a manufacturing company hosting a leadership conference could invite a green industrialisation expert to explain how low-carbon production methods may affect future competitiveness. This could help executives identify areas for further investment and operational improvement.

Hire a Sustainability Speaker Today!

The COP31 agenda highlights climate challenges that will shape business decisions beyond 2026. Hiring an experienced sustainability speaker can help your organisation understand these developments and identify practical opportunities for action. Browse our roster of passionate sustainability speakers and consider the budget you have to spend. Once you have narrowed down your selection, contact one of our dedicated booking agents by calling 0203 9355 587 or by completing our online contact form!