Arab States Prepare for COP31 Climate Conference

Arab states are preparing specific funding requests for the upcoming COP31 climate conference, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20, 2026. The requests focus on securing financing for water availability during droughts, resilient agriculture, and coastal protection to safeguard populations and livelihoods.

The United Nations' 2025 Adaptation Gap Report estimates that developing countries, including those in the Arab region, will need approximately $365 billion annually by 2035 to meet their adaptation needs. However, only $26 billion in international public funding for adaptation was available in 2023, highlighting a significant funding gap.

Key demands from Arab states include accessible financing, comprehensive water security measures, and support for agriculture. The first demand is for accessible financing, with a clear implementation pathway that outlines baseline data, donor shares, and disbursed funds, along with interim targets before 2030. Priority should be given to grants for the most vulnerable countries, simplified funding for suitable projects, and streamlined procedures for local governments and institutions.

The second demand is for water security that goes beyond building desalination plants. The World Bank projects that the average water availability per capita in the Middle East and North Africa will drop below 500 cubic meters per year by 2030, reaching the threshold of absolute scarcity. Therefore, Arab states are seeking integrated funding for repairing water networks, reducing leakage, treating and reusing wastewater, harvesting rainwater, and protecting groundwater. Additionally, they are calling for separate funding for joint water management and drought data exchange.

The third demand is for financial support to reach farmers. Agriculture consumes about 85% of the available freshwater in the region, making the reform of the water-food relationship a crucial negotiating point. Arab states are seeking programs that support drought and salinity-resistant seeds, soil health, and efficient irrigation systems. They also want to ensure that small-scale farmers, who are often marginalized, have access to these resources.

Arab states are also advocating for the inclusion of climate adaptation in broader development strategies, integrating it with other sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure. This holistic approach aims to enhance the overall resilience of communities and economies in the face of climate change.