From Bharat to Antalya: Delhi Declaration 2026 Calls for Stronger Multilevel Climate Action Ahead of COP31

Key Highlights:

• The Delhi Declaration on Local Action for Global Climate Goals 2026 was adopted at the ARISE Cities Forum 2026 in New Delhi on October 28, 2026.
• The Declaration calls for stronger multilevel climate action and recognition of cities as indispensable partners in global climate governance.
• It will carry urban voices and ambitions from the Global South to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.
• The Forum was organized by ICLEI South Asia and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• Over 200 participants from 50+ cities across 18+ countries attended, focusing on measurable, locally driven initiatives.
• The Delhi Biodiversity Map was also launched by ICLEI South Asia during the closing ceremony.

Detailed Insights:

• The Forum's theme, "From Bharat to Antalya — Commit. Implement. Deliver," emphasized collaboration, sustainability, resilience, and equity in climate action.
• The Declaration positions cities as key contributors to international climate negotiations, integrating Global South priorities into the UNFCCC process.
• It outlines ten shared commitments, including accelerating adaptation, advancing circularity, achieving just energy transitions, and institutionalizing multilevel climate finance.
• Speakers highlighted the importance of localizing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and ensuring climate finance directly reaches cities.
• The year 2026 is significant as a 'Triple COP' year, linking climate, biodiversity, and land agendas for coordinated action.
• The Declaration reinforces that global climate goals are achievable only by integrating local priorities, resources, and implementation capacities into decision-making.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Multilevel Climate Action: Coordinated climate efforts involving national, sub-national (cities, states), and local governments.
• Global South: Refers to countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, often characterized by developing economies.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Climate action plans submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement outlining emission reduction and adaptation efforts.
• COP (Conference of the Parties): The supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC, meeting annually to review progress.