Petersberg Climate Dialogue builds partnerships ahead of UN Climate Change Conference COP31

Ministers and senior representatives from more than 30 countries gathered alongside the EU, UN, and key global stakeholders at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue to shape priorities ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference COP31, with a central focus on keeping global warming within the 1.5°C limit.

The 17th edition of the dialogue was held in Berlin on April 21–22, hosted by Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider, alongside COP31 President-designate Murat Kurum and COP31 negotiations chief Chris Bowen.

The meeting aimed to build political momentum, strengthen international cooperation, and highlight how ambitious climate policies can drive economic growth and competitiveness. Schneider stressed the urgency of reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and accelerating the shift to renewable energy, calling for faster phaseout efforts, tripling renewable capacity, and doubling energy efficiency.

Kurum urged nations to move toward practical, solution-driven implementation, while Simon Stiell emphasized the need to translate global pledges into real-world action. In a video message, António Guterres highlighted the importance of addressing the energy crisis without worsening climate risks and called for scaled-up climate finance and infrastructure.

Launched in 2010 by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the Petersberg Dialogue serves as a key platform for pre-COP coordination. This year’s discussions will feed into COP31, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026.