A 19-member US congressional delegation will travel to Türkiye to participate in the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), despite President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Democratic Representative Sean Casten announced the visit on Wednesday, following his party’s sweeping victory in the 2026 US midterm elections. He said the delegation would perform an important diplomatic role during the international climate summit.
COP31 will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20. The United States has not participated in climate negotiations since Trump withdrew the country from the Paris Agreement for the second time after returning to office.
Casten stressed that international cooperation remains essential because countries face shared challenges, including climate-related displacement, economic instability and the transition towards cleaner energy.
The delegation is being organised by the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Institute, a nonpartisan think tank. Its members plan to meet policymakers, business leaders and civil society representatives to explore opportunities for renewed American engagement in climate policy.
Meanwhile, US state and local government representatives will also attend under the America Is All In coalition.
Casten expressed cautious optimism that Democratic control of Congress could create opportunities for stronger climate policies despite opposition from Trump.
