Become a Christian observer at COP31 in Turkey!

The decisions taken at United Nations climate conferences have a profound impact on the future of the most vulnerable and of creation. As Christians, we have a vital role to play in these forums for dialogue, listening and bearing witness.

In November 2021, around ten A Rocha ambassadors took part as observers at COP26 in Glasgow. This experience proved particularly enriching, both in terms of understanding climate negotiations and in terms of the encounters and Christian witness.

The A Rocha family at COP 26

This year, we would like to offer this opportunity once again to our friends, volunteers and ambassadors by inviting them to take part in COP31, which will be held in Antalya (Turkey) in November 2026.

To this end, we invite you to join the Christian Climate Observer Programme (CCOP), an initiative organised in partnership with A Rocha and several other international Christian organisations.

The CCOP is an interdenominational Christian network that brings together believers keen to represent God’s creation at the heart of the United Nations climate conferences. Its aim is to train a new generation of observers capable of understanding the issues at stake in international negotiations, bearing witness to their faith in this context, and serving the Church by sharing what they have learnt.

A two-stage training programme​

The programme begins with an online preparation phase. A series of webinars provides an introduction to the history of international climate negotiations, how the Paris Agreement works, and the key challenges for the coming years.

Participants then head to the CCOP Base Camp in Antalya for a week of training, prayer and immersion at the heart of the COP.

During this week, you will learn to put into practice the five dimensions of the role of a Christian observer:

  • understanding climate negotiations and learning from them;
  • building relationships with stakeholders from around the world;
  • engaging in respectful and constructive advocacy;
    interpreting and communicating what you observe;
  • discerning through prayer how God is calling us to respond to the ecological crisis.

In practical terms, by becoming a Christian observer at COP31, you will be able to, amongst other things:

  • support experienced observers in their work during the COP;
  • attend conferences, workshops, side events, press conferences or exhibitions organised at the COP venue or in the city;
  • take part in daily discussions with experienced Christian observers to reflect on your experiences;
  • receive guidance on how to put this experience to good use within your church, your organisation or your personal commitment;
  • share daily times of prayer, Bible meditation and discernment with Christians from different countries.

Practical information

Application

Admission to the programme is based on an application. Applications must be submitted by 1 August 2026. A letter of recommendation from someone who can attest to your commitment must also be submitted by this date.

Dates (to be chosen)

The application form, the letter of recommendation, the training and the bulk of the discussions will be in English, so a basic knowledge of the language is essential.

  • 8 to 16 November 2026 (first week);
  • 13 to 21 November 2026 (second week).

Both sessions offer the same programme.

Location

Antalya, Turkey.

Accommodation​

Accommodation will be provided at the CCOP Base Camp, the exact location of which will be announced at a later date.

Estimated cost

The estimated cost is approximately 900 USD, comprising:

  • accommodation;
  • breakfasts;
  • programme registration fees;
  • the annual team dinner.

Participants are responsible for their own airfare, other meals and local transport.

A limited number of grants, awarded on the basis of financial need, are available.

The CCOP operates on a cost-price basis: the team actively seeks funding and cost-effective accommodation options in order to keep participation costs as low as possible. The final cost may therefore be lower than this estimate.

Would you like to become a Christian observer at COP31?

If you would like to gain a better understanding of international climate negotiations, have an international Christian experience, meet committed activists from around the world, and reflect on how your faith can inform your commitment to creation, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to speak to former A Rocha participants who have already taken part in this programme. They will be happy to share with you what they learnt and how this week has enriched their commitment.

Further information

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