UN Global Compact Urges Corporate Emissions Reductions at COP31

The United Nations Global Compact, alongside the UN Environment Programme and UN Climate Change, convened the 14th Annual High-Level Meeting of Caring for Climate on November 12, 2026, during the COP31 summit in Antalya, Türkiye. The meeting gathered executives from the finance, business, and government sectors to discuss the transition from corporate climate pledges to verifiable emissions reductions.

Sanda Ojiambo, CEO of the UN Global Compact, stated that returning to a 1.5°C warming limit is only possible through urgent emissions reductions and the large-scale deployment of existing technologies. Participants identified three primary priorities: increasing the credibility of corporate actions, improving accountability, and removing systemic barriers such as fossil fuel subsidies, financing constraints, and policy uncertainty.

The discussions concluded that corporate ambition requires the support of predictable government policies and infrastructure investment. This is particularly critical in emerging and developing economies to ensure a resilient and just energy transition.