Strengthening Kosovo’s Climate Diplomacy Ahead of COP31

Building on previous experience, Kosovo’s institutions are working to sharpen their climate diplomacy skills, strengthen international partnerships and communicate the country’s climate and energy priorities more effectively.

The second Climate Diplomacy Training brought together members of Kosovo’s COP31 Task Force, COP31 Delegation, Technical Secretariat and representatives of other relevant institutions for a three-day programme focused on preparing for COP31, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026.

Conducted in cooperation with the Center for Multilateral Negotiations (CEMUNE), the training combined knowledge exchange with practical exercises and negotiation simulations, providing participants with the opportunity to strengthen their diplomatic skills and prepare for engagement in international climate processes.

Building on Kosovo’s climate diplomacy experience

The training builds on the first Climate Diplomacy Training, held in December 2025 within the framework of the Kosovo–German Climate and Energy Transition Partnership. The Partnership supports Kosovo in strengthening its climate policy framework, advancing the energy transition and enhancing its engagement in international climate processes, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the annual Conference of the Parties (COP).

The first training reviewed the key outcomes of previous COP's and explored opportunities and priorities for Kosovo’s participation in COP31.

With support from the German Government through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Kosovo’s delegations have participated in three consecutive COP conferences, gaining valuable experience in international climate negotiations, partnership-building and approaches to climate policy, finance, adaptation and mitigation. COP31 in Antalya will mark the fourth consecutive participation, providing another opportunity to strengthen Kosovo’s international engagement and advance its climate and energy priorities.

Kosovo’s participation in the 4th UNFCCC Climate Week and Baku Climate Action Week in September 2026 further contributed to these preparations. Both events provided opportunities to engage in international climate dialogue, exchange experiences and gain valuable insights into the implementation of climate commitments, climate finance, industrial decarbonisation and international cooperation.

From knowledge to practical preparation

Building on this experience, the second training placed particular emphasis on the practical aspects of climate diplomacy and preparation for COP31.

Over three days, participants explored the UNFCCC and COP negotiation processes, bilateral and multilateral climate negotiations, coalition building and advocacy. Through interactive sessions, practical exercises and simulations, they strengthened their understanding of negotiation dynamics and the diplomatic skills needed to engage effectively with international stakeholders.

A key part of the training focused on discussing Kosovo’s negotiation and engagement plan for COP31, including its climate priorities, lessons learned from previous conferences and the practical and logistical aspects of participation in Antalya.

Participants also worked on strengthening Kosovo’s climate diplomacy narratives, identifying opportunities for strategic partnerships and exploring ways to establish contacts that could support practical projects related to Kosovo’s climate priorities and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets.

These discussions provided an opportunity to connect technical knowledge with practical diplomatic engagement and strengthen coordination among the institutions involved in Kosovo’s COP31 preparations.

Reflecting on the experience, Arberesha Isufi, the Head of the Division for Strategic Planning and Regional Cooperation at the Ministry of Economy highlighted the practical value of the training:

“This training was exceptionally dynamic and interactive, offering us the opportunity through practical simulations to effectively prepare for the challenges and opportunities of our engagement at COP31.”

Strengthening partnerships for climate action

Effective climate diplomacy extends beyond participation in international negotiations. It also creates opportunities to build alliances, strengthen international cooperation and mobilise support for climate action.

For Kosovo, these efforts are particularly relevant to advancing its climate and energy priorities, exploring opportunities for climate finance and supporting the implementation of its climate commitments.

By strengthening institutional capacities and preparing a more coordinated approach to international engagement, the training contributes to Kosovo’s ongoing efforts to increase the visibility of its climate action and develop meaningful partnerships ahead of COP31 and beyond.

The GIZ-implemented project supporting the Climate and Energy Transition Partnership is supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI).