COP31-IEA High-Level Energy Transition Dialogue

The COP31 Presidency and the IEA will hold the first in a series of High-Level Energy Transition Dialogues in the lead-up to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, bringing together decision makers and thought leaders from around the world to discuss the Presidency’s strategic priorities and share perspectives.

Chaired by IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, the inaugural High-Level Dialogue will feature a keynote speech by COP31 President-Designate Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Special remarks will also be delivered by Ambassador Stephen Jones of Australia, which is the President of Negotiations for COP31; leaders of previous COPs, including COP21 President Laurent Fabius, COP26 President Alok Sharma, and COP29 Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev; as well as UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell and IIGCC CEO Stephanie Pfeifer.

The opening segment will be livestreamed. Participants in the event, which comes at a time of major energy security challenges, will include leading figures from governments, industry, finance and civil society from around the world.

The dialogue provides an opportunity for the COP31 Presidency to present its strategic vision and priorities, and to gather perspectives from international partners on how to ensure a successful COP in Antalya in November. As Türkiye advances its COP31 Presidency in partnership with Australia, the dialogue will focus on how existing commitments can be translated into practical, affordable and measurable outcomes.

This year’s High-Level Dialogue series builds on those convened in previous years, starting with the COP28 Presidency of the United Arab Emirates in 2023 and continuing with the COP29 Presidency of Azerbaijan and the COP30 Presidency of Brazil.

The dialogues bring together senior decision makers to help shape the energy-related priorities, activities and outcomes at COP. The COP31-IEA dialogue series will continue in the coming months, supporting the Presidency in refining its goals, strengthening alignment among stakeholders, and ensuring that energy remains in focus as discussions evolve.