UN climate chief urges COP31 negotiators in Turkey to 'avoid tactical delays'

The United Nations' top climate official urged negotiators at the COP31 climate conference in Turkey to move swiftly toward a deal and to "avoid tactical delays". The appeal came as the summit headed into its second week. DW and Reuters both reported the call.

DW identified the official as Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Reuters' summary refers to "the UN's top climate official". Reuters dated the appeal to Saturday and described the coming week as the summit's second and final week. The reports do not describe where or how Stiell made his remarks.

According to DW, the summit is being held in the Mediterranean city of Antalya, with delegates from more than 200 nations. DW reported that its core goal is to prevent the planet from warming by 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

DW reported that delegates face pressure from large fossil-fuel-producing nations to avoid stricter targets for a faster phaseout of oil and gas. The reports do not name those nations. Reuters' headline refers to a "fossil fuel divide", but its summary gives no details. According to DW, the United States is not taking part for the second year in a row under President Donald Trump. DW also reported that host Turkey is pushing a plan to expand global electrification, and that some environmental groups are disappointed it does not push more electricity from renewable sources.

According to DW, thousands of activists protested in Antalya against the consequences of climate change. Turkish authorities permitted the rally. DW noted that the country often bans large public gatherings.

What each side says

• Simon Stiell (UNFCCC): DW quoted him as saying: "As we head into the second week, I urge parties to move swiftly to the hardest issues and to avoid tactical delays." He described reaching agreement as "tough but vital work" and said: "There is no collective success without compromise from every party."
• Chris Bowen, Australia's COP31 President of Negotiations: According to DW, he said a first draft of a deal text is expected next week.
• Protest organizers: According to DW, they said tens of thousands marched on Saturday for climate protection and human rights. The reports do not include an independent or official estimate of turnout.
• Zaki Mamdoo, South African environmental activist: He told DW: "The pursuit of profit at all costs continues to set the [global] agenda [and] govern the trajectory of our world, so there is a need to push back."
• Luisa Nebauer, Fridays for Future Germany: She criticized the absence of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and several other European leaders. "We must show up!" she told DW. The reports do not include a response from the German government or other European governments.

Analysis

Stiell's appeal suggests that the final stretch of the talks may depend on how quickly parties address the most contested issues. One possible scenario is that the expected first draft text helps narrow differences. Another is that disagreements over fossil fuels, which DW and Reuters both reference, slow progress. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not detail which negotiating points remain unresolved, so the outcome remains open. The absence of the United States and of several European leaders may also shape how commitments are framed, though the reports do not show what effect this will have.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.