University of Minnesota Observer Delegation to COP 31 in Antalya, Türkiye 

Hello COP 31 Applicant! 

This application is for current University of Minnesota students, staff and faculty interested in joining the University of Minnesota's online or in-person observer delegation to the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP 31. 

The University of Minnesota expects to offer:

Four in-person observer delegation opportunities, with two delegates attending during Week 1 and two delegates attending during Week 2.

Ten online observer delegation opportunities. Additional online observer opportunities may become available, but they are not yet confirmed.

The University of Minnesota participates in COP 31 through the Research and Independent Non-Governmental Organizations constituency.

For UMN community members with close research, professional or personal connections to a developing country, it may be possible to pursue a separate “Party Overflow” credential through that country’s delegation. This option is not guaranteed, but our team will be in touch with you if that seems to be a possibility.

About COP 31

The UNFCCC organizes an annual Conference of the Parties, also known as the UN Climate Change Conference. COP 31 will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from Monday, November 9 through Friday, November 20, 2026. 

COP brings together national governments, observer organizations, researchers, civil society representatives, Indigenous Peoples, youth, businesses and others to advance international climate action. Accredited observers may follow negotiations, attend many official and side events, engage with global climate-policy discussions and share insights with their home institutions and communities.

Registration process

To attend COP 31 as part of the UMN delegation, selected applicants must provide information required for UNFCCC registration and issuance of a confirmation or acknowledgment letter.

After UMN submits your information, the UNFCCC secretariat will add you to its registration platform. You will receive an email from UNFCCC with instructions to complete a short registration step. After completing that step, you will be able to download your acknowledgment letter.

Graduate student funding

Available Funding - Up to $2,500 travel grant to cover expenses. 

Your commitment as a UMN delegate

As a representative of the University of Minnesota at COP 31, you are the “eyes and ears” for those back home. In exchange for this opportunity, delegates are expected to be thoughtful, responsible and active communicators before, during and after the conference.

Selected delegates will be expected to:

  • Participate in COP 31 preparation and communications planning.

  • Follow relevant negotiations, events and themes connected to their academic, professional or community interests.

  • Share timely reflections, observations and learning with UMN audiences in coordination with the delegation team.

  • Participate in the COP 31 Talk Back at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs on Wednesday, December 2, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

We will help you plan your communications strategy, and provide you with resources and examples. 

Application timelines

In-person badge

  • Application due: Sunday, September 20

  • Acceptance notification: Monday, September 28

Online badge

  • Application due: Thursday, October 1

  • Acceptance notification: Mid-October

Questions? 

Contact Beth Mercer-Taylor bethmt@umn.edu at Institute on the Environment. 

Email *
First and last name  *
Your pronouns (optional)
Your University of Minnesota campus
 *
Your University of Minnesota college, school, institute or center
 *
Examples: College of Liberal Arts, Humphrey School of Public Affairs or the Center for Transportation Studies. 
Your University of Minnesota primary department or unit
 *
Examples: Ecology, Evolution & Behavior or Center for Science, Technology and Environmental Policy. Provide explanation as necessary.
Connection to the University of Minnesota *
Select the option that best describes your current affiliation. Alumni, former UMN employees, and UMN community partners are not eligible for this opportunity.
Required
What are your main goals for observing at COP 31? 

Please include topics, commitments or questions under negotiation at COP 31 or future COPs that you are planning to follow.

300-word count maximum
 *
How would attending affect specific aspects of your current or planned research, impact, teaching or engagement?

Include how your work connects with climate change policy, and/or to the broader context, history and meaning of the UNFCCC and COP 31 events.

300-word count maximum
 *
If your research, teaching, professional work or community engagement is connected to addressing climate-related priorities of a developing country and you already have experience or connections to that country, please describe:
Are you interested in attending COP 31 online or in-person?  *

Undergraduate students are eligible for online participation only through the University of Minnesota.

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