Global Business Leaders Gather in New York for COP31 Business Forum Dialogue

More than 300 senior executives gathered in New York for the COP31 Business Forum New York Dialogue, co-hosted by TOBB and Bloomberg. COP31 President Murat Kurum presented the COP31 Action Agenda, while leading figures from business, energy and finance discussed the private sector’s role in global climate action.

The COP31 Business Forum New York Dialogue brought together leading figures from the global business community during New York Climate Week. The event, co-hosted by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) and Bloomberg, welcomed more than 300 senior executives from the international business community.

The meeting opened with remarks by TOBB President and COP31 Business Forum Chair M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The gathering was also held as the opening event of Bloomberg Green New York.

COP31 President and Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum delivered the keynote address. Kurum presented the COP31 Action Agenda to representatives of the global business community as preparations continue for the climate conference to be hosted by Türkiye.

A panel moderated by Bloomberg TV’s Francine Lacqua focused on the private sector’s role in the COP31 Action Agenda. The discussion featured Koç Holding Vice Chair Ali Koç, International Energy Agency Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol, International Finance Corporation Managing Director Makhtar Diop and International Chamber of Commerce Secretary General John Denton.

Business Community Prepares for COP31

Discussions focused on the role of the private sector in delivering climate goals, mobilizing climate finance and investment, and strengthening cooperation between governments, financial institutions and businesses.

The New York meeting forms part of preparations for the COP31 Business and Investment Summit in Antalya on November 12-13, where private-sector policy recommendations and practical solutions are expected to be presented to the COP31 Presidency and international stakeholders.

Global Business Leaders Gather in New York for COP31 Business Forum Dialogue