COP: The Conference of the Parties

What is COP?

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the highest decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It brings together leaders from almost every country in the world to discuss and make decisions on how to tackle climate change the biggest environmental challenge of our time. Read more... 

Why COP Matters in the Global Fight Against Climate Change

• Bringing Countries Together: Over 190 nations unite to set collective targets for reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts.

• Funding Climate Solutions:  Developed countries pledge billions of dollars to help developing nations build climate-resilient economies.

• Setting Global Policies:  Agreements reached at COP guide governments, industries, and communities worldwide.

• Driving Innovation and Research:  COP inspires scientists and innovators to create green technologies and energy systems.

• Protecting Nature and People: Every decision made at COP ultimately aims to safeguard lives, biodiversity, and future generations. Read more... 

A Brief History of COP  From COP1 to COP30

The journey began in 1995 with COP1 in Berlin, Germany. Since then, COP has been held every year in different countries, each meeting adding a new chapter to the world’s climate story.

The third Conference of the Parties (COP3) adopts the Kyoto Protocol, the world's first greenhouse gas emissions reduction treaty.

 The 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) ends with the adoption of the historic Paris Agreement. The world's first legally binding agreement to combat climate change. Read more...

COP Decision-Making Process

Each COP begins with working groups and countries sharing their positions within thematic bodies on issues like emission reduction targets, finance or adaptation. Read more...