The climate transition is one of the greatest opportunities for economic transformation of our time. It opens new markets, stimulates the development of technologies, products and services, mobilises investment and creates more competitive and resilient business models. For the private sector, addressing climate change is not only a responsibility. It is also a concrete opportunity to lead the construction of an economy capable of combining growth, innovation, energy and food security, and the protection of nature.

In an international context marked by polarisation and conflict, businesses have a unique capacity for mobilisation, cooperation and delivery. The private sector accounts for a significant share of global emissions, estimated at approximately 85%, but it also concentrates the resources, technologies, capabilities and investment capacity needed to scale climate solutions.

The Action Agenda, conducted within the framework of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, establishes a common five-year horizon to ensure continuity of implementation across COP cycles. This structure makes it possible to overcome fragmented initiatives, connect global priorities and concentrate efforts on the solutions with the greatest potential for impact.

This is where SB COP operates. We bring together companies, investors and business organisations to support the Plans to Accelerate Solutions (PASs), scale proven solutions and convert climate priorities into commitments, investments and concrete deliverables. We also mobilise global business campaigns that help remove barriers, improve regulations and create the conditions required for a new economic model.

The private sector needs to demonstrate, through results, that decarbonisation, competitiveness and development go hand in hand. Leading by example means transforming climate ambition into innovation, growth and shared prosperity.

Welcome to SB COP. As the President of CNI, the organization that leads SB COP in 2026, I am thrilled to welcome participants from different nationalities. We understand that the business sector has a fundamental role to implement actions for a positive climate agenda.

It is imperative that we establish strategies for cooperation and consensus on key issues, aiming to mitigate and adapt to climate change while fostering sustainable and inclusive growth. CNI is committed to structuring a process that facilitates effective discussions and consensus on globally representative recommendations, which support UNFCCC decisions and align with the interests of the business community. 
 
Let's join forces to make COP 31 a successful and impactful moment!