We’re strengthening our role in tackling climate change through climate science, Indigenous Knowledges, sustainability and disaster resilience to drive solutions that make a difference.
Guided by our UNSW Strategy: Progress for All, across our faculties, researchers are working together to influence policy, support communities and respond to increasing natural disasters. Through collaboration and innovation, we’re turning expertise into action.
As a leading global university, UNSW is also bringing people together – connecting partners, communities and networks in Australia and around the world to accelerate progress for all.
UNSW at UN Climate events
Learn more about UNSW’s engagement with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) events by visiting the UNSW @ UN Climate Events SharePoint site.
Pathway to UN Climate Conference COP31
The 31st session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) will be hosted by Türkiye in Antalya from 9-20 November 2026, with Australia assuming the role of President of Negotiations in the lead-up to and during the meeting.
As an official observer organisation, UNSW is preparing to mobilise and coordinate efforts across the region and globe, building on lessons from COP30 in Brazil (2025) to co-host events, showcase innovation and deepen global and regional partnerships.
If you are already planning COP31-related activities and/or are available to provide expert commentary, let us know by completing the following forms (as applicable).
The COP31 agenda will focus on implementation, climate finance, resilience and nature-positive solutions aligned with the priority themes: Zero Waste, Oceans & Seas, Food Security, Climate-Resilient Cities, Powering Climate Action: Financial & Institutional Boost, Youth & Education, Green Industrialization, Clean Energy Transition, Rio Synergy, Dynamic and Resilient Health Systems.
UNSW pathways to COP31 on Monday 25 May
Join UNSW colleagues on Monday 25 May at the UNSW CBD Campus to shape UNSW’s strategy for UN Climate Conference COP31.
This internal event convenes UNSW’s climate-engaged research, teaching, professional and student community to strengthen our collective contribution to global climate action and our institutional presence at COP31. Participants will hear reflections from the UNSW COP30 delegation, alongside insights from colleagues engaged in pre-COP work with the Pacific.
Through facilitated thematic discussions, participants will contribute to shaping UNSW’s strategic approach to COP31, identifying key priorities, opportunities for engagement and pathways to meaningful societal impact. The event provides a space to connect expertise across disciplines, foster collaboration across the University, and articulate how UNSW can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Inside the emerging roadmap away from fossil fuels
On 20 March, UNSW hosted a workshop bringing together researchers, policymakers and legal experts to map the phase-out of fossil fuels and identify where influence over the transition now sits. The event unpacked key developments – from international law to Australia’s role and the practical challenge of winding down fossil fuel production.
Following this workshop and in the lead-up to the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta (24-29 April), hosted by Colombia and The Netherlands, experts from across UNSW submitted a response to an invitation from the COP30 Presidency to contribute to the COP30 Presidency Roadmap on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in a Just, Orderly and Equitable Manner.
IUCA – looking to the future
Established in 2020 and hosted by UNSW for the past six years, the International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA) represents leading climate research universities from across 20 countries. The alliance provides a central hub for universities to share the latest climate research and education, enabling greater collaboration between leading research teams and educators to support global leaders, policymakers and industry to plan for and respond to climate change. The alliance works closely with UN agencies, global networks and organisations that share its strategic objectives.
In January 2026 the Secretariat of the Alliance officially transitioned to its new host, co-founding member, the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. UNSW will continue to play an active membership role in pursuit of the alliance’s global strategic climate action objectives.
UNSW is most grateful to all alliance member institutions and representatives, the IUCA Secretariat, partners and other contributors over the last six years whose support has helped realise our collective vision and commitment to accelerate action on climate change through partnership.
Read more about the first six years of the IUCA – Universities Collaborating for Climate Impact 2020 -2025.
We encourage you to share this information with UNSW colleagues who may be interested, as well as researchers working at the intersection of climate science, communications, media, and policy.
Learn more about the IUCA and follow the IUCA on LinkedIn.
Any questions?
Contact UNSW’s new Designated Contact Point (DCP) for the UN Climate Secretariat and Primary Contact for the International Universities Climate Alliance, Jane Sloane, Director of the Global Policy Initiative via climateleadership@unsw.edu.au .
The UNSW Global Policy Initiative (GPI) will advance our ambition to shape global public policy through strategic partnerships, evidence-based influence and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Stay connected online
Are you currently working in climate research, climate-related teaching or net-zero operations at UNSW? Connect with colleagues across the University and hear the latest climate action updates. Join the Climate Connections Teams group.
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