New 2026 Work Programme Sets Climate Action Priorities Ahead of COP31

The Climate High-Level Champions and the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action have today launched their annual Work Programme outlining how governments, businesses, cities, regions, investors and civil society will work together to accelerate climate action over the coming year.

As the first year under the Global Climate Action Agenda’s new five-year vision, the focus is on turning existing commitments into real-world results for people and communities – from clean air to energy security and beyond.

The Work Programme builds on the renewed Action Agenda launched at COP30, which shifted the focus from new commitments towards implementing existing ones at greater speed and scale. It strengthens coordination, builds on existing partnerships and helps translate the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake — the UN’s assessment of collective climate progress — into practical action that supports countries’ national climate and adaptation plans.

Climate High-Level Champions Dan Ioschpe for COP30 and Samed Ağırbaş for COP31 said: “At the heart of this work is our conviction that the implementation of solutions must reach people on the ground, especially the communities most exposed to the impacts of climate change. We aim to have the agenda framework foster socioeconomic development and are committed to a balanced approach that must be fair, accessible and inclusive.”

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell said: “The focus of climate action is now firmly on implementation. The Marrakech Partnership Work Programme provides a strong framework for bringing together governments, business, investors, cities, regions and civil society to accelerate climate solutions that support countries in delivering their climate plans. By strengthening collaboration, the Work Programme can turn global ambition into real progress for people, communities and economies.”

The programme brings together hundreds of organisations working across six areas that are critical to people’s lives – from energy, transport and industry to food, nature, water, cities and human development. Together, partners will build on strong recent progress, and work towards 30 shared objectives, advancing 120 practical plans to remove barriers, strengthen collaboration and help proven climate solutions reach more people, more quickly.

Reflecting the priorities of the COP31 Presidency, the Work Programme also places particular emphasis on ten priority areas, including the clean energy transition, food security and zero waste, while building momentum across all sectors and regions.

Throughout the year, the Climate High-Level Champions and the Marrakech Partnership will convene partners, track progress, showcase successful solutions and strengthen collaboration through Activation Groups, regional engagement and major international milestones, helping accelerate implementation ahead of COP31 and beyond.

Alongside the Work Programme, the Climate High-Level Champions and the Marrakech Partnership have also published the Terms of Reference to operationalize the Global Climate Action Agenda's 2026-2030 vision. They establish the governance and coordination arrangements that will support delivery of the Action Agenda through Activation Groups, Axis Coordination Groups, an Advisory Group and Communities of Action. Together, these structures will help strengthen collaboration, improve coordination across stakeholders and support the implementation of practical solutions at scale.

The launch also marks an important milestone as preparations gather pace for COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye: ten years since the creation of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action at COP22, following the adoption of the Paris Agreement. As the first annual Work Programme under the Action Agenda’s new five-year vision, the Work Programme charts the next phase of that journey.

The Climate High-Level Champions conclude in their cover note: "If we work together, with coordination and efficiency, the Marrakech Partnership and the Global Climate Action Agenda can drive transformational change for the benefit of people and the planet. We call on all of you to join these efforts to build a prosperous and thriving future together."