Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), has called on countries attending the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, to intensify their negotiations and avoid delays as the event progresses into its second week. Speaking at a press conference, Stiell reviewed the progress made thus far, highlighting that nearly 200 countries were engaged in discussions over 165 mandates, marking this conference as one of the largest gatherings of its kind.
Stiell emphasized the necessity of compromise among nations with varying interests to achieve successful agreements. He noted the challenges in reaching consensus on every detail of the discussions, stating, “Getting agreement on every word, every sentence, is tough but vital work. There is no collective success without compromise from every Party.”
As negotiations continue, Stiell urged delegates to prioritize the most complex issues instead of resorting to tactical delays. He asserted that tackling difficult topics is essential for meaningful progress.
In addition to the negotiation dynamics, Stiell stressed the importance of making climate action relevant to the everyday lives of people worldwide. He encouraged a broader engagement with the public to raise awareness and participation in climate initiatives through the UN Climate Change’s Sports for Climate Action and Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action programs. He argued that effective communication regarding the impacts of climate change and the solutions available must resonate with people’s needs in areas like healthcare, job creation, and energy accessibility.
“We can only win this global climate fight if we – in the climate community – get better at enlisting billions of people. To do that, we need to meet people where they are at, in their everyday lives,” he remarked. Stiell also highlighted the role of the entertainment industry in shaping public perceptions about climate change, stating that various artistic platforms could make climate issues more relatable and actionable.
Other speakers at the press conference included Vanessa Hauc from Telemundo, who shared how climate issues were integrated into the broadcaster’s programming during the recent World Cup, and Tamseel Hussain, the CEO of PLUC, who discussed initiatives aimed at empowering a new generation of storytellers to relate climate challenges to everyday experiences.
