By As global delegates gather in Antalya, Türkiye, for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), Gauteng is positioning itself at the forefront of international climate diplomacy. Running from 9 to 20 November 2026, the conference operates under the guiding themes “From Consensus to Concrete Action” and “Where Dialogue Becomes Global Action”.
Representing the province is Gauteng MEC for Environment and Regions4 Vice-President for Africa, Mr. Ewan Botha, who is participating in a series of high-level engagements from 9 to 13 November 2026.
MEC Botha’s delegation aims to emphasize the critical role that subnational governments play in translating international climate promises into measurable, local impact. With extreme weather events posing mounting risks to regional infrastructure and communities, the province’s agenda centres on critical pillars such as climate finance, adaptation, resilience, waste management, methane reduction, renewable energy, and multilevel climate governance.
A major focus of Gauteng’s participation is unlocking green investment and building robust, investment-ready project pipelines. During the Subnational Investment Forum and the Building Investible Project Pipelines Roundtable, MEC Botha is showcasing the province’s green growth priorities and exploring innovative subnational finance mechanisms.
These discussions align closely with the FASTR Closed-Door Roundtable, which seeks to secure financial backing for regional climate solutions.
In addition to financial mobilization, the Gauteng delegation is contributing heavily to policy and adaptation dialogues. MEC Botha is participating in the CHAMP High-Level Political Dialogue to accelerate Paris Agreement implementation through strengthened multilevel partnerships.
Furthermore, addressing the intersection of circular economies and emissions reduction, a dedicated session on food waste and methane is highlighting how regional governments can utilize practical waste solutions to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Adaptation and resilience remain paramount for South Africa. At the South Africa Pavilion session titled “From Climate Risk to Resilience: Accelerating Adaptation to Extreme Weather Events”—co-hosted by the Gauteng Department of Environment, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and Regions4—discussions are centering on strategic partnerships and infrastructure investments needed to withstand severe weather.
Additionally, celebrating a decade of regional climate milestones, MEC Botha is helping shape the next chapter of the RegionsAdapt agenda, ensuring African regional priorities remain central to the network’s future.
Through these strategic international engagements, Gauteng is demonstrating that provincial administrations are essential architects of sustainable development. By forging global partnerships and securing investments, the province continues to drive practical interventions designed to build resilient communities and a sustainable local economy.
