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Location: Columbia Global Center Beijing, Unit C, Floor 5, Tower B, Gateway Plaza, No. 18 Xiaguangli, Chaoyang District
Language: Chinese
The 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, on Nov. 9-20, 2026. The conference is expected to emphasize the practical delivery of climate commitments, including through electrification, green industrialization, circularity, climate resilience, climate finance, and international cooperation. The COP31 Presidency’s proposed goal of raising electricity’s share of global final energy demand to 35% by 2035 highlights the growing importance of energy-system transformation.
For China, COP31 coincides with the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). China’s 2035 nationally determined contribution (NDC) and its 15th FYP carbon-peaking action plan provide a timely backdrop for examining how international climate commitments translate into domestic policies, investments, and measurable results. Key questions include how to reconcile decarbonization with energy security and industrial competitiveness, and how to sustain practical cooperation amid growing geopolitical and economic tensions.
This public forum will convene researchers, industry and finance professionals, international organizations, civil society, and other Chinese stakeholders, particularly those planning to attend COP31. It will combine concise expert interventions, a moderated panel, audience commentary, and open Q&A to encourage substantive exchange.
This forum is co-hosted by the Columbia Global Center Beijing, the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia SIPA, and the Institute for Sustainable Communities.
Agenda
5:45 - 6:25 p.m. Registration, light dinner, and networking
6:30 - 6:45 p.m. Opening Remarks
- Kevin J. Tu, Non-Resident Fellow, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia SIPA
- Helena Xiao, Interim Director, Columbia Global Center Beijing
- Ren Jingzhe, China Chief Representative, Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC)
6:45 - 7:09 p.m. Expert Openings
- “COP31 Negotiations: Key Issues and China’s Perspectives,” by Xu Huaqing, Former Director General, National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation
- “COP31 Global Agenda: Pathways for Synergy between China and International Climate Funds during the 15th FYP Period ” by Zhang Xiaohua, Senior Director, ClimateWorks Foundation China
- “Global Electrification and China’s Energy Transition,” by Yang Lei, Vice President, Institute of Energy, Peking University
- “From Pledges to Action: Climate Investment and International Cooperation,” by Zhang Jieqing, Chief Representative, NRDC Beijing Representative Office
7:09 - 7:45 p.m. Moderated Panel: From Climate Commitments to Policy Implementation
7:45 - 8:05 p.m. Interactive Floor Commentary
8:05 - 8:25 p.m. Open Q&A
8:25 - 8:30 p.m. Closing Remarks
8:30 - 9:00 p.m. Networking
