World leaders are gathering in Türkiye's Mediterranean city of Antalya on Wednesday for a high-level climate summit as nearly 200 countries seek to accelerate efforts to tackle global warming and turn international commitments into concrete action.

The World Leaders Climate Action Summit, taking place on November 11-12 as part of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), brings together heads of state and government, senior officials and international representatives.

Hosted by Türkiye from November 9 to 20, the conference is expected to bring together representatives from 197 parties, with discussions focusing on the transition to cleaner energy, climate finance, resilience and the implementation of the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is leading the opening of the Antalya summit, where UN Secretary-General António Guterres is also scheduled to deliver remarks. Leaders are expected to present national climate priorities and discuss ways to strengthen international cooperation.

The summit comes amid growing warnings that current global efforts are insufficient to keep the Paris Agreement's target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach. A recent UN assessment warned that the world remains on course to exceed that threshold, while emissions continue to pose a major challenge to international climate goals.

Energy transition and fossil fuels in focus

One of the central issues at the Antalya talks is the transition away from fossil fuels and the expansion of cleaner energy sources.

Türkiye is promoting a proposal to increase electricity's share of global energy consumption to 35% by 2035, compared with slightly more than one-fifth currently. The proposal is expected to feature in a high-level dialogue on clean energy transition and electrification scheduled for Wednesday.

However, questions remain over whether the proposed target would ensure that the additional electricity comes from renewable or other low-carbon sources.

Guterres has urged governments to establish clear timelines for moving away from fossil fuels, warning that the transition requires concrete commitments rather than further delays. Meanwhile, a proposal advanced by Brazil's COP30 presidency calls for countries to assess their energy systems by 2028 and work together to reduce fossil-fuel supply from 2031.

Climate finance and adaptation

Climate finance is another major priority, particularly for developing countries that face growing risks from extreme weather, rising temperatures and sea-level rise.

Developing nations have repeatedly called on wealthier countries to provide greater financial support for adaptation, resilience and recovery from climate-related losses and damage.

A high-level roundtable scheduled for Thursday will address the implementation of the Paris Agreement and access to climate finance, while other discussions will focus on urban resilience and adaptation strategies.

Türkiye hosts as Australia leads negotiations

Under an arrangement agreed between Türkiye and Australia, Türkiye is hosting the conference and holding the COP31 presidency, while Australian Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is leading the formal negotiations.

Turkish Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum serves as COP31 president. The division of responsibilities followed a dispute over the two countries' competing bids to host the conference.

The United States, one of the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters, is absent from the conference for a second consecutive year, according to reports.

COP31 is scheduled to conclude on November 20, when participating countries are expected to seek agreement on further steps to strengthen international climate cooperation and implement existing commitments. (ILKHA)