The Road to COP31: Opportunities for Business Collaboration
March 19 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
COP31 is headed to Türkiye this year and will be held in Antalya from 9 to 20 November 2026. The National Business Initiative (NBI)is pleased to invite you to join TheRoad to COP31: Opportunities for Business Collaboration Webinar on 19th March 2026. This will be a strategic engagement designed to position key stakeholders for meaningful participation at COP31, and kick-off preparations for the South Africa Country Pavilion.
Key high-level outcomes from COP30
COP30 reinforced the urgency of accelerating climate action while aligning ambition with implementation. Key directions emerging from COP30 include:
Stronger emphasis on translating national commitments into real economic action
Increased focus on climate finance mobilisation, particularly for developing and emerging economies
Greater recognition of the role of business, innovation, and public–private collaboration in delivering climate solutions
Renewed attention on adaptation, resilience, and a just transition
These outcomes set the foundation for COP31, where delivery, scale, transparency and accountability will be central.
Why COP31 matters for South Africa
Escalating climate impacts, evidenced by increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events, are imposing significant and growing costs on South Africa’s economy, infrastructure, and social systems. Scientific assessments underscore that these risks will intensify without accelerated mitigation and adaptation efforts. It is therefore imperative for South Africa to continue exercising leadership in the transition toward a sustainable, inclusive, and net-zero economy, and to ensure a strong, influential presence at COP31 to shape outcomes that align with national development and economic resilience objectives.For South Africa, this year’s COP represents a strategic opportunity to:
Showcase leadership in just transition pathways and climate-resilient development
Attract climate finance and investment aligned with national priorities
Influence global policy discussions that affect energy, industry, trade, and competitiveness
Strengthen partnerships that support inclusive growth and sustainable development
Collaborate on implementation of the Nationally Determined Contribution and accelerate progress toward a net-zero future
The Role of South African Business at COP31
Business plays a critical role in turning ambition into measurable impact and in:
Demonstrating practical, scalable climate solutions and innovation
Driving investment-ready projects across energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, and services
Engaging global partners to unlock finance, technology, and markets
Shaping credible, business-led contributions to South Africa’s climate and development goals
What to Expect
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) will provide feedback from COP30 and outline the country’s preliminary priorities for COP31
The United Nations Climate Champions will share insights on the COP31 action agenda and how businesses can get involved in formal processes of the COP
The NBI willunpack plans for the South Africa Pavilion at COP31, highlight engagement opportunities, and provide guidance on how business and stakeholders can participate, collaborate, and maximise impact
We encourage your participation in this important conversation as South Africa prepares for COP31 in Türkiye.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, 19 March 2026 Time: 10:00 – 12:00 (SAST) Platform: Via Zoom
COP31 is headed to Türkiye this year and will be held in Antalya from 9 to 20 November 2026. The National Business Initiative (NBI) is pleased to invite you to join The Road to COP31: Opportunities for Business Collaboration Webinar on 19th March 2026. This will be a strategic engagement designed to position key stakeholders for meaningful participation at COP31, and kick-off preparations for the South Africa Country Pavilion.
Key high-level outcomes from COP30
COP30 reinforced the urgency of accelerating climate action while aligning ambition with implementation. Key directions emerging from COP30 include:
These outcomes set the foundation for COP31, where delivery, scale, transparency and accountability will be central.
Why COP31 matters for South Africa
Escalating climate impacts, evidenced by increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events, are imposing significant and growing costs on South Africa’s economy, infrastructure, and social systems. Scientific assessments underscore that these risks will intensify without accelerated mitigation and adaptation efforts. It is therefore imperative for South Africa to continue exercising leadership in the transition toward a sustainable, inclusive, and net-zero economy, and to ensure a strong, influential presence at COP31 to shape outcomes that align with national development and economic resilience objectives. For South Africa, this year’s COP represents a strategic opportunity to:
The Role of South African Business at COP31
Business plays a critical role in turning ambition into measurable impact and in:
What to Expect
We encourage your participation in this important conversation as South Africa prepares for COP31 in Türkiye.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, 19 March 2026
Time: 10:00 – 12:00 (SAST)
Platform: Via Zoom
Details
Venue