COP31 to begin today: Food, farming, health in focus on Day 1 of climate summit

From financing resilient agriculture to strengthening health systems, here are the key issues on COP31's opening-day agenda.COP31 presidency members attend a press conference in Antalya, Turkiye, ahead of COP31. (Photo: UN)New Delhi,Nov 9, 2026 10:08 ISTThe 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) begins in Antalya, Turkiye, on Monday, November 9, bringing together representatives from nearly 200 countries for two weeks of discussions on tackling climate change.The opening day will focus on food, agriculture and health, highlighting how rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are affecting food production, water resources and people's well-being.Running until November 20, the summit comes amid growing concerns over extreme weather, rising global temperatures and the ability of vulnerable countries to cope with climate change. Passengers walk beneath a sign for the upcoming COP31 UN Climate Summit at the Istanbul Airport in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo: AP) The broader focus will be on turning existing climate promises into practical action, with particular attention to financing, reducing emissions and helping countries adapt to a warming planet. WHAT IS PLANNED FOR DAY 1 OF COP31?Food, agriculture and health form the central theme of Monday's programme.One of the key discussions will examine how innovative solutions for climate-resilient food systems can be financed, bringing together organisations including the UN Development Programme and the Adaptation Fund. The programme will also feature discussions on improving agricultural practices, water management and understanding how climate change affects sustainable development, drawing on findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Firefighters battle a forest fire near Blagon during wildfires in southwestern France. (Photo: AP) Health will receive dedicated attention, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) organising discussions on climate-sensitive health technologies, digital health, humanitarian assistance and building stronger health systems to cope with climate-related risks.A ministerial roundtable will also bring health ministers together to discuss national priorities.Other sessions will explore climate-friendly transport, indigenous communities' role in water management and ways to strengthen climate technology partnerships.WHAT OTHER ISSUES WILL COP31 FOCUS ON?Beyond the opening day's focus, COP31 will take up several major climate challenges, including cutting greenhouse gas emissions, helping vulnerable countries prepare for extreme weather and increasing financial support for developing nations.The summit will also provide an opportunity to assess progress under the Paris Agreement and push countries to turn their climate commitments into measurable action.#Nepal: Devastating floods have killed >1,400 people, left thousands missing & caused an estimated $2.7 bln in damage. Ahead of #COP31, UN Resident Coordinator Leila Pieters Yahia called for greater international support to meet the country's $4.7 bln recovery needs. @UN_Nepal https://t.co/eTkfdsz8R8— United Nations Geneva (@UNGeneva) November 7, 2026Thematic days will cover energy and transport, waste management, climate finance, youth and education, science and technology, oceans and biodiversity, and social development.The World Leaders' Summit, scheduled for November 11 and 12, will bring heads of state and government together for high-level discussions.With climate impacts becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, COP31 will be closely watched for whether countries can move beyond repeated promises and agree on practical steps to address the climate crisis.- Ends