The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the world’s biggest climate meeting.
Every year, almost every country comes together under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to talk about how to address climate change. Governments negotiate, review progress, and set new climate goals.
But COP isn’t just about politicians. Young people, activists, scientists, charities, NGOs, sub-national governments and the private sector – including UNICEF, also take part. For UNICEF Australia, it's about making sure child rights are part of every climate decision.
What is COP and why it matters.
At COP, leaders from around the world decide on real actions to tackle climate change, from cutting carbon emissions to funding sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities. Alongside governments, thousands of young people, activists, scientists, and organisations gather to make their voices heard.
The decisions made at COP directly shape the future of today’s children and the next generation. Climate change is already affecting young people: extreme heat, floods, bushfires, and cyclones are disrupting children’s education, healthcare, and impacting their safety. What happens at COP will influence whether children of today and tomorrow will inherit an equitable and more livable planet. UNICEF Australia actively works before, during and long after COP to influence climate decisions and put children first.
When is COP31 and where will it be held?
COP31 is planned for November 2026.
The host country rotates by region. For 2026, Australia and the Pacific are vying with Türkiye to be the host. If no decision is made by the end of COP 30 in Belem, Brazil, the event could default to Bonn, Germany (where the UNFCCC Secretariat is based).
Children and young people – who make up half of the Pacific’s population and a third of Australia’s –deserve a voice in shaping climate solutions. UNICEF Australia is helping to close this gap by bringing young leaders from across the region together to strengthen relationships and prepare for COP31. The summit is also a chance to centre the voices of First Nations and Pacific Youth while showcasing Australia's potential to lead as a renewable energy superpower – both critical steps toward inclusive and ambitious climate action.
UNICEF is at COP because:
Climate change is a child rights crisis.
Rising temperatures, stronger and more frequent storms, floods, and droughts disproportionately affect children’s health, education, and safety. COP is where UNICEF advocates for world leaders to put children first in climate decisions, such as:
Climate finance
Fighting for climate finance that actually reaches schools, health care, and safe water systems.
Staying safe
Supporting communities to prepare for disasters and protect kids from harm, such as early-warning systems.
Fairness and equality
Advocating for climate adaptation and action to be fair, equitable for all genders, and youth-focused.
Young voices matter
Creating more opportunities for youth and children to participate in negotiations, not just as observers, but as change-makers.
UNICEF’s role in National Adaptation Plans in the Pacific
UNICEF is helping Pacific countries integrate children’s rights into climate strategies. In Vanuatu, we are supporting the government to develop its new National Adaptation Plan, leading the education chapter and engaging youth, while transforming schools into safe‑havens for over 130,000 people with climate‑resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, and essential services. In Solomon Islands, we are working with partners to strengthen climate resilience for more than 200,000 people by upgrading schools and health facilities with low-carbon, climate-smart solutions and integrating child-sensitive education and social protection systems.
A short history about COP
- 1995: The very first COP took place.
- 1997 (COP3): The Kyoto Protocol was adopted, setting binding climate targets for developed countries.
- 2015 (COP21): The Paris Agreement was adopted, with the goal to keep global warming below 2°C, and aim for 1.5°C.
Since Paris, every COP has focused on turning promises into real action, with youth voices becoming louder and harder to ignore.
UNICEF and climate
COP isn’t just about world leaders and governments – it's about people like you, standing up, speaking out, and demanding action. Climate change is already shaping our world, but together, we have the power to shape the solutions.
