From ambition to implementation: signals emerging from the Bonn Climate Meetings

As preparations for COP31 gather pace, discussions at the Bonn Climate Meetings (SB64) suggested that climate action is entering a new phase. While negotiations continue, the focus is increasingly shifting from setting ambitions to delivering results.

Held midway between COP30 in Belém and COP31 in Antalya, the meetings brought together governments, UN agencies, development organizations, civil society, and other stakeholders to advance discussions on climate adaptation, finance, and implementation. Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and growing pressure on multilateral cooperation, participants repeatedly emphasized the need to move from commitments to action.

Implementation moves to the forefront

A clear signal emerging from Bonn, as seen elsewhere in 2026, was the growing emphasis on implementation. Across discussions, there was recognition that plans, targets, and commitments alone will not deliver the transformation needed to address climate change.

This shift was reflected in growing attention to the Global Climate Action Agenda and other initiatives designed to accelerate action beyond formal negotiations. Participants highlighted the importance of translating existing commitments into tangible progress, while also broadening participation beyond governments.

Calls for greater involvement from businesses, financial institutions, civil society organizations, and other non-state actors were increasingly prominent. The message was clear: implementation will require action across society, not only within negotiating rooms.

Finance remains the central challenge

If implementation was the dominant theme, finance was the dominant challenge.

Discussions repeatedly returned to questions about access to finance, the future of concessional funding, reform of the international financial architecture, and the role of private investment. While there was broad agreement that implementation must accelerate, there was less clarity on how many countries, particularly developing countries, will secure the resources needed to deliver on their commitments.

As climate discussions move further towards implementation, finance is likely to become an even more important part of the conversation. The debate is no longer only about ambition, but about the practical means of turning ambition into action.

Water’s role continues to grow

Water also featured prominently throughout discussions on adaptation and resilience. As climate impacts intensify, water is increasingly being recognized not only as a sector affected by climate change, but as a factor that influences progress across food systems, ecosystems, energy, health, and economic development.

The discussions reinforced the importance of water within adaptation efforts, including through the Global Goal on Adaptation. At the same time, they highlighted the need to ensure that water remains visible across climate processes and implementation initiatives.

One example is the forthcoming Turquoise Nexus Initiative, an FAO-led effort to strengthen links between water, food systems, and climate action. While still in its early stages, the initiative reflects growing recognition of the need for more integrated approaches.

Looking ahead

As attention turns towards COP31, the challenge will be maintaining momentum on implementation while addressing persistent questions around finance and delivery.

For the water community, Bonn reinforced an important message: water is increasingly recognized as essential to achieving climate goals. The next step is ensuring that this recognition translates into investment, partnerships, and action at the scale needed to meet the challenges ahead.