The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the highest decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It has been meeting annually since 1995 to assess the progress of the parties in implementing the Convention and to adopt new measures to combat climate change.

The first COP was held in Berlin, Germany, in 1995. At this meeting, the parties adopted the Kyoto Protocol, which established the first binding emission reduction targets for developed countries.

In subsequent COPs, the parties have adopted new measures to combat climate change. In 2015, at COP21 in Paris, the Paris Agreement was adopted, which sets a global goal to limit the increase in the average global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

But so far, this journey has been filled with challenges. The parties have had to confront opposition from some countries, a lack of political will, and the complexity of negotiations. However, they have also achieved significant milestones, such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

Despite the progress made, much work remains to be done. Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, and the effects of climate change are worldwide.

The COP27, to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in November 2023, will be an opportunity for the parties to accelerate climate action and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

• Adopting the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, established the first binding emission reduction targets for developed countries.
• The adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, set a global goal to limit the increase in the average global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
• The establishment of the Green Climate Fund in 2010, provides financing to developing countries to adopt climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.

The main challenges that the COP faces are:

• Opposition from some countries, such as the United States, which withdrew from the Paris Agreement.
• Lack of political will from some countries to adopt ambitious climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.
• The complexity of negotiations often extends for months or even years.

The COP is an essential process for combating climate change. The parties must work together to overcome the challenges they face and move towards a more sustainable future.