COP31 Estonian Pavilion | Estonia at COP31 Antalya 2026

COP31 | ESTONIAN PAVILION9–20 November 2026 | Antalya, Türkiye

Topics

38 sessions

All times Antalya local (UTC+03:00) · Programme subject to change

Monday, 9 November

Food, Agriculture and Health

11:45–12:30

Panel Discussion

The Resources Are Already Here

Climate change, biodiversity loss, strained ecosystems, rising food demand and fierce competition for the materials needed for industry and the clean transition are often tackled separately. Yet they share a common root: how societies produce, consume and manage resources. This opening session of the Estonian pavilion shows why the circular economy is the thread connecting these challenges together, and why many of the answers are already within reach, in the materials, nutrients and energy that flow through our societies every day.

Moderator

Pär Larshans, Member of the UNEP Global Partnership on Nutrient Management Steering Committee, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ragn-Sells Group (Sweden)

Speakers

Laura Remmelgas, Director of the Department of Climate and Environmentally Sustainable Economy (Estonia)
Johan Falk, Exponential Roadmap Initiative (Sweden)
Annika Christell, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) / UNFCCC (Sweden)(TBC)
Anna Ryott, Ernst and Young (Sweden)(TBC)

Circular Economy & ResourcesFood Systems & Agriculture

14:15–15:00

Panel Discussion

Down the Drain? Turning Wastewater into a Climate Win

Wastewater treatment and aquaculture are often seen as part of the emissions problem. This session challenges that view. Through concrete examples and policy perspectives, speakers will show how resource recovery can cut methane and nitrous oxide emissions at the source, while strengthening food security, energy resilience and circularity. The result is cleaner water, a cooler climate and greater value from every drop.

Moderator

Pär Larshans, Member of the UNEP Global Partnership on Nutrient Management Steering Committee, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ragn-Sells Group (Sweden)

Speakers

Martina Otto, Climate and Clean Air Coalition, UNEP (France)
Jonas Hagman, CEO, EasyMining (Sweden)
Representative of Havbruk (Norway)(TBC)
Representative of Stockholm Environment Institute (Sweden)(TBC)

Carbon & Critical MaterialsCircular Economy & ResourcesClean Energy & EfficiencyDigital & Green TechFood Systems & Agriculture

16:45–17:15

Youth Voices

No FOMO! by Climate Youth Delegates

A 5 p.m. "Tea-brief" of what has been going on in other pavilions and sessions that you might have missed. Every afternoon aka at tea time, the Estonian and Latvian youth delegates Marie and Rūdolfs, together with guests, debrief and offer their perspective on what has been spotted by them at COP31.

Keynote speakers

Marie Johanna Univer, Youth Climate Delegate (Estonia)
Rūdolfs Podzis, Youth Climate Delegate (Latvia)
Additional Youth Climate Delegates from other countries(TBC)

Youth & Education

Tuesday, 10 November

Energy and Transport

10:30–11:15

Panel Discussion

The Missing Trillion: Financing Energy Efficiency at Scale from Europe to Emerging Markets

Energy efficiency remains the world's largest untapped clean energy resource, yet investment levels remain far below what is needed to achieve climate and energy security objectives. The European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition was created precisely to mobilize private capital, improve access to finance, de-risk projects, develop blended finance solutions, and build investment pipelines. COP Turkey provides an opportunity to move the discussion beyond policy commitments and toward a practical question: How do we mobilize trillions of dollars for efficiency investments that are already technically viable but remain financially underserved?

Moderator

Ardo Reinsalu, Futurist, Architect of Rohetiiger's Balanced Economy 2040, Director of Vehicles at Bolt (Estonia)

Speakers

Dr. Basma Majerbi, Associate Professor of Finance, Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria; Founder and Director, Impact Investing Hub; Lead Investigator for Business and Finance Innovation, ACET (Canada)
Stéphanie Nour, International Director, Econoler (Canada/Europe)
Sulev Alajõe, EEEFC National Hub project manager, Environmental Investment Centre (KIK); Former Director, Estonian Islands Energy Agency (Estonia)

Circular Economy & ResourcesClean Energy & EfficiencyClimate Finance & InvestmentDigital & Green Tech

13:00–13:45

Panel Discussion

Powering the Digital Future: Building Climate-Smart Data Centers

Our digital future needs clean power – and climate-smart infrastructure. Estonia's message is that digital development and climate action do not have to be competing objectives. With the right conditions, data centres can become part of a smarter energy system – where growing electricity demand goes hand in hand with renewable energy, flexibility, innovation and resource efficiency.

Circular Economy & ResourcesClean Energy & EfficiencyDigital & Green Tech

14:15–15:00

Panel Discussion

How Tallinn Reinvented District Heating: From Fossil Dependency to a Resilient Renewable Energy System

Less than two decades ago, Tallinn’s district heating system was almost entirely dependent on imported natural gas. Today, 90% of the city's district heating is already produced from renewable and recovered energy sources. By replacing imported fossil fuels with local energy sources, Tallinn has made decarbonisation and energy security part of the same strategy. This case study explores how Tallinn has transformed its existing district heating infrastructure into a modern and flexible urban energy system, integrating innovative solutions such as large-scale heat pumps, thermal storage and sector coupling. The result is a cleaner and more resilient system, less exposed to imported fuel dependency and price volatility, while ensuring reliable and affordable heat for the city. Tallinn’s experience demonstrates how cities can move towards fully fossil-free heating while strengthening their energy independence.

Moderator

Robert Kitt, CEO, Utilitas Tallinna Soojus (Estonia)

Speakers

Priit Koit, CEO, Utilitas Group (Estonia)
Additional speakers(TBC)

Carbon & Critical MaterialsClean Energy & Efficiency

16:45–17:15

Youth Voices

No FOMO! by Climate Youth Delegates

A 5 p.m. "Tea-brief" of what has been going on in other pavilions and sessions that you might have missed. Every afternoon aka at tea time, the Estonian and Latvian youth delegates Marie and Rūdolfs, together with guests, debrief and offer their perspective on what has been spotted by them at COP31.

Keynote speakers

Marie Johanna Univer, Youth Climate Delegate (Estonia)
Rūdolfs Podzis, Youth Climate Delegate (Latvia)
Additional Youth Climate Delegates from other countries(TBC)

Youth & Education

Wednesday, 11 November

Zero Waste

10:30–11:15

Keynote/Spotlight

Closing the Loop: A Real-Life Case of Wind Turbine Decommissioning

The clean energy transition is about more than building new renewable capacity – it is also about taking responsibility for what happens at the end of an asset’s life. As the global wind fleet grows and matures, responsible decommissioning, material recovery and land restoration are becoming an increasingly important part of the sustainability conversation. Using the decommissioning of a turbine at Latvia’s Grobiņa Wind Park as a real-life case, this session will follow what happens to a wind turbine after its operational life ends – from dismantling and recycling to finding new uses for blade materials and restoring the land. The case demonstrates how circularity can be built into the full lifecycle of renewable energy infrastructure and, just as importantly, how making this process visible can strengthen public confidence in the energy transition.

Keynote speaker

Rene Tammist, Utilitas Wind CEO (Estonia)

Carbon & Critical MaterialsCircular Economy & ResourcesClean Energy & EfficiencyDigital & Green Tech

11:45–12:30

Panel Discussion

Resource Plants: Where Waste Becomes Wealth

Resource security does not start with a new mine. It starts with seeing what already flows through our cities and industries. This session introduces the Resource Plant: a waste treatment facility reimagined as a producer of critical raw materials, nutrients, clean water and energy, while safely removing substances that should not remain in circulation. Speakers will explore how turning waste into resources can strengthen resilience, competitiveness, and resource security.

Moderators

Pär Larshans, Member of the UNEP Global Partnership on Nutrient Management Steering Committee, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ragn-Sells Group (Sweden)
Alar Saluste, OSA Project and Ash2Salt, Ragn-Sells (Estonia)

Speakers

Karin Forsberg, Vice President, Energy Division, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Alfa Laval (Sweden)(TBC)
Anna Ryott, Ernst and Young
Representative of UNEP(TBC)
Representative from Canada(TBC)

+1 more

Carbon & Critical MaterialsCircular Economy & ResourcesClean Energy & EfficiencyDigital & Green Tech

13:00–13:45

Panel Discussion

Smart circular solutions driving the transition towards climate neutrality

The event will discuss the role of different circular solutions to make the necessary change of reducing the impact to the climate, environment and human health. The market for secondary raw materials is still not functioning well and necessary policy initiatives are needed. If successful, theses solutions can have a significant impact on reducing GHG emissions.

Moderator

Jolanda Lipu, Senior Sustainability Advisor, Miltton (Estonia)

Speakers

Miranda Schnitger, Climate Lead, Ellen MacArthur Foundation (United Kingdom)(TBC)
Kärt Mae, Rail Baltic (Estonia)
Alar Saluste, OSA Project and Ash2Salt, Ragn-Sells (Estonia)

Carbon & Critical MaterialsCircular Economy & Resources

16:45–17:15

Youth Voices

No FOMO! by Climate Youth Delegates

A 5 p.m. "Tea-brief" of what has been going on in other pavilions and sessions that you might have missed. Every afternoon aka at tea time, the Estonian and Latvian youth delegates Marie and Rūdolfs, together with guests, debrief and offer their perspective on what has been spotted by them at COP31.

Keynote speakers

Marie Johanna Univer, Youth Climate Delegate (Estonia)
Rūdolfs Podzis, Youth Climate Delegate (Latvia)
Additional Youth Climate Delegates from other countries(TBC)

Youth & Education

Thursday, 12 November

Resilient Cities and Built Environment

10:30–11:15

Keynote/Spotlight

From Shower Water to Food: Estonia´s Circular Aquaponics Testbed

How can water used in our homes or offices become a resource for growing fish and plants? Mait Kriipsalu and Merrit Shanskiy present lessons from two indoor aquaponics systems developed at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, both using reclaimed water. Combining fish farming with soil-free plant cultivation, these systems explore how nutrients from fish can support plant growth while water circulates through the system. The session considers their potential for local food production and more efficient resource use in a changing climate. It also looks beyond food: could homes, offices and community spaces host living labs that reconnect people with nature? Drawing on collaboration across the university’s disciplines, the speakers explore the knowledge and practical skills needed to balance fish, plants, water and energy—and make circular systems part of everyday life.

Keynote speakers

Prof. Mait Kriipsalu, Professor of Water Protection and Waste Management, Estonian University of Life Sciences (Estonia)
Prof. Merrit Shanskiy, Professor of Soil Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences (Estonia)

Circular Economy & ResourcesClean Energy & EfficiencyDigital & Green TechFood Systems & Agriculture

11:45–12:30

Panel Discussion

Made in Europe: Closing the Critical Materials Gap

Europe’s industries, from carmaking and defence to renewable energy and electronics, depend on critical raw materials, while its farms depend on nutrients such as phosphorus. Yet much of this supply relies on imports from a handful of suppliers, leaving Europe exposed to geopolitical shocks, price swings and supply disruptions. This session explores how circular solutions can turn recovered resources into a secure, homegrown supply, helping to close the gap between what Europe needs and what it produces.

Moderator

Kai Realo, CEO, Ragn-Sells Estonia (Estonia)

Speakers

Christian Rasquin, European Landfill Association (ELA)
Alar Saluste, OSA Project and Ash2Salt, Ragn-Sells (Estonia)
Tobias Eriksson, Head of Public Affairs and Government Relations EU, Ragn-Sells Group (Sweden)
Representative of the European People's Party (EPP)(TBC)

Carbon & Critical MaterialsCircular Economy & ResourcesClean Energy & EfficiencyCultural Heritage & ResilienceDigital & Green TechFood Systems & Agriculture

13:00–13:45

Panel Discussion

Beyond ROI: Financing the Full Value of Sustainable Infrastructure

What if the greatest returns on infrastructure investment never appear on the project's balance sheet? Sustainable transport infrastructure, such as modern railways, generates value far beyond ticket revenues and freight charges. Fewer accidents, lower emissions, safer journeys, more resilient supply chains and greater business competitiveness deliver substantial economic and societal benefits. Yet these returns are often dispersed across sectors, difficult to monetize and rarely captured by infrastructure investors themselves. High level expert panel explores how financial institutions can look beyond traditional ROI models to recognize the broader economic value, reduced risks and long-term resilience enabled by sustainable infrastructure. The central question: How can we translate wider societal and economic benefits into stronger investment cases for sustainable infrastructure?

Speakers

André Küüsvek, President and CEO, Nordic Investment Bank (Estonia/Finland)
Lucie Anderton, Head of Sustainability, International Union of Railways (UIC) (United Kingdom)

Carbon & Critical MaterialsClimate Finance & InvestmentDigital & Green Tech

14:15–15:30

Keynote/QA

What Lies Beneath? How AI and 3D Technology Are Transforming Urban Greenery

How can cities turn complex sustainability challenges into smarter, greener urban environments? The FinEst Smart City Challenge connects real urban challenges with research-driven solutions, from energy efficiency and bathing water quality to building reuse, nature-based solutions and citizen well-being. This session highlights how digital innovation is transforming urban greenery planning. Discover Herbarium.ai, a digital platform that uses vegetation data and 3D models to help cities plan and manage green spaces, and TreeCity, which models underground tree roots to prevent construction damage and support healthier urban trees. Explore how smart technologies can help cities become greener, more resilient and more liveable.

Speakers

Külle Tärnov, Head of Innovation, FinEst Centre for Smart Cities, TalTech (Estonia)
Kristiina Kupper, Research Fellow, FinEst Centre for Smart Cities, TalTech (Estonia)

Clean Energy & EfficiencyDigital & Green Tech

15:30–16:15

Panel Discussion

What Can Historic Buildings Teach Us About a Climate-Resilient Future?

Historic buildings have survived centuries of changing climates, evolving societies and shifting needs. What can we learn from their design, materials, craftsmanship and adaptability as we face the challenges of climate change today? Preserving and adapting our historic buildings is not a question of whether, but how. Beyond their cultural and historical value, these buildings hold valuable lessons in resource efficiency, durability, passive climate adaptation and long-term resilience. This panel explores how traditional knowledge and modern innovation can work together to make historic buildings more energy-efficient and climate-resilient while preserving their unique character. Drawing on European and international research, policies and practical experience, the discussion will examine how heritage can contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation — and what it takes to turn these insights into practical solutions.

Moderator

Ave Paulus, Focal Point, ICOMOS Climate Action Working Group; President, ICOMOS Estonia; Heritage Homes Project Coordinator (Estonia)

Speakers

Riin Alatalu, Leader, ICOMOS EPBD Working Group; Estonian Academy of Arts (Estonia)
Lori Ferriss, PAS Heritage Now! (USA)
Philipp Hesse, FuturHist Project; General Secretary, ICOMOS ISCES (Denmark/Germany)
Gráinne Shaffrey, President, ICOMOS (Ireland)
Filippo Calcerano, Resilient Cultural Heritage Programme (Italy)

Carbon & Critical MaterialsCircular Economy & ResourcesClean Energy & EfficiencyCultural Heritage & Resilience

16:45–17:15

Youth Voices

No FOMO! by Climate Youth Delegates

A 5 p.m. "Tea-brief" of what has been going on in other pavilions and sessions that you might have missed. Every afternoon aka at tea time, the Estonian and Latvian youth delegates Marie and Rūdolfs, together with guests, debrief and offer their perspective on what has been spotted by them at COP31.

Keynote speakers

Marie Johanna Univer, Youth Climate Delegate (Estonia)
Rūdolfs Podzis, Youth Climate Delegate (Latvia)
Additional Youth Climate Delegates from other countries(TBC)

Youth & Education

Friday, 13 November

Finance and Trade

11:45–12:15

Keynote

Putting a Price on Health: The External Costs of Environmental Damage

Environmental damage, including climate change, affects health in ways that are often absent from market prices and investment decisions. Air pollution, heat stress, noise, extreme weather events and other environmental pressures generate real costs for individuals, healthcare systems, cities and economies — yet these external costs are rarely fully accounted for. This session explores how health-based valuation and willingness-to-pay can make these hidden costs visible and support better policy and investment choices. Drawing on results from the MARCHES project and beyond, it will present cost-benefit assessments of measures that reduce environmental pressures in Tallinn, including their net present value (NPV). The session will also examine public acceptance of these measures, connecting economic evidence with the social conditions needed for successful implementation.

Keynote speaker

Prof. Hans Orru, Head of Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Tartu. (Estonia)

14:15–15:30

Keynote+ Panel Discussion

The Estonian Model for an Economy in Balance

What happens when more than 300 leading companies – including direct competitors – come together to agree on a shared vision for their country’s economic future? Estonia’s Green Tiger (Rohetiiger) initiative has developed a unique Balanced Economy Model, demonstrating how businesses can move beyond competition and sectoral interests to jointly define a long-term economic vision and practical roadmaps for achieving it. The process brought together businesses, government, researchers and wider society, creating a shared direction for national transformation. The results have already influenced national policymaking, with Estonia’s Ministry of Climate drawing on the roadmaps to shape the objectives of the Climate-Resilient Economy Act. This session reveals how this unprecedented nationwide collaboration was achieved, how competing interests were turned into shared commitments, and how other countries can replicate Estonia’s tested bottom-up model to build consensus and turn a common vision into coordinated national action.

Keynote speaker

Ardo Reinsalu, Architect of the Balanced Economy 2040 Concept (Estonia)

Panellists

Andrus Treier, CEO, Environmental Investment Centre (KIK) (Estonia)(TBC)
Maris Ojamuru, Founder and Partner, Sustinere (Estonia)

15:30–16:15

Panel Discussion

Where’s the Money? Financing Possibilities for Implementing Society-Wide Sustainability Initiatives

It is obvious that societies need to change and limit their environmental impact massively. It is valuable if businesses and institutions execute different sustainability projects, yet the key resides in large-scale societal transformations. Luckily there are a number of sources of funding for sustainability projects and business ventures. Yet financing large-scale sustainability transitions - if not driven by the governemnt - is more difficult.

Moderator

Kadri Vunder Fontana, Group Head of Sustainability (Estonia)

Speakers

Renat Heuberger, Co-founder, South Pole; CEO, Terra Impact Ventures (Switzerland)
André Küüsvek, President and CEO, Nordic Investment Bank (Estonia/Finland)
Representative of the Nordic Council of Ministers(TBC)

16:45–17:15

Youth Voices

No FOMO! by Climate Youth Delegates

A 5 p.m. "Tea-brief" of what has been going on in other pavilions and sessions that you might have missed. Every afternoon aka at tea time, the Estonian and Latvian youth delegates Marie and Rūdolfs, together with guests, debrief and offer their perspective on what has been spotted by them at COP31.

Keynote speakers

Marie Johanna Univer, Youth Climate Delegate (Estonia)
Rūdolfs Podzis, Youth Climate Delegate (Latvia)
Additional Youth Climate Delegates from other countries(TBC)

Youth & Education

Saturday, 14 November

Children, Youth, Education and Skills

10:30–11:15

Panel Discussion

Living Soils, Resilient Food: Algae Biotechnology from Estonia to Climate-Vulnerable Farms

Healthy soil is the foundation of food security and one of the largest land-based carbon stores, yet it is degrading worldwide. In the EU alone, 60–70% of soils are in an unhealthy state, and the EU's first law on soil monitoring and resilience entered into force in December 2025. Climate-vulnerable regions face the same problem with fewer resources: salinity, erosion, flood damage and rising fertiliser costs. This panel asks how affordable biological inputs can restore soil at scale. Soyl Food, an Estonia-registered start-up developing algae-based biostimulants, will join soil scientists, farmers and policymakers to discuss what it takes to move soil-restoring biotechnology from European labs to farms in South Asia and the Gulf. The panel will cover evidence, field trials, data, regulation and finance, and close with practical commitments for linking Estonian innovation to global soil restoration.

Moderator

Hira Wajahat Malik, Co-founder, Soyl Food (Pakistan)

Speakers

Entrepreneur(TBC)
Soil Scientist(TBC)
Agriculturalist(TBC)
Policy and Finance Expert(TBC)

Carbon & Critical MaterialsCircular Economy & ResourcesClimate Finance & InvestmentFood Systems & Agriculture

11:45–12:30

Youth Dialogue

426 vs 482: Can We Solve a Climate Crisis We Don’t Understand?

Two numbers. Two very different measurements. One uncomfortable question. Atmospheric CO₂ has climbed above 426 parts per million. Meanwhile, the latest OECD PISA results put 15-year-olds’ average science performance at 482 points, following years of long-term decline. The numbers cannot be directly compared. But they raise a critical question: as the climate crisis intensifies, are we preparing the next generation to understand it, challenge misinformation and take meaningful action — or simply leaving them to deal with the consequences? Climate science has never been more important. Yet misinformation, scepticism and confusion continue to shape public debate. Is science education failing to keep up? Are we teaching facts without building the ability to question, think critically and act? Estonian Youth Climate Delegate and science education researcher Marie Johanna Univer brings together Youth Climate Delegates from around the world to challenge assumptions, confront uncomfortable truths and explore what it really takes to educate a generation capable of tackling the climate crisis.

Moderator

Marie Johanna Univer, Youth Climate Delegate (Estonia)

Speaker

Alexander Feil, Youth Climate Delegate (Luxembourg)

Digital & Green TechYouth & Education

13:00–14:00

Stand-up

Stand-up Tragedy: A Live Debate with a Climate Sceptic – Don't Teach, Let Them Learn!

You may know this situation from a family dinner, a comment thread or a meeting. Someone says “CO₂ is good, it’s plant food”, you reply with facts, and the conversation goes nowhere. This session asks why that happens and what works better. The most important change relating to climate change is in the mind of climate skeptics - yet most of us have experienced debates where both parties leave with even more fixed opinions. Is mind-changing debate possible at all? How to frame our goal in the debate - should we talk more or ask more? Or listen more? Should we win, or trigger deep thinking? How to elicit the slow and effortful learning process in a spontaneous dialogue in a coffee corner? Actually - the best-kept secret of learning is not the question, how to change people's mind, but how to make them change their minds themselves. The complex and evidence-based set of techniques for doing that will be revealed through standup-tragedy - first ever in the Estonian pavilion! Come to see us fail! Or not. Climate sceptics and young climate activists meet on stage in short, unscripted debates. You can step in and join either side of the debate. No winner is announced. Instead, we look at technique - what worked, what did not and why. You leave with a simple conversation scheme and at least one technique to try next time.

Debaters

Youth Delegates and audience

Scientific Experts (providing commentary)

Grete Arro, Senior Researcher in Educational Psychology, School of Educational Sciences, Tallinn University (Estonia)
Prof. Jaanus Terasmaa, Professor of Ecohydrology, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University (Estonia)

Youth & Education

16:45–17:15

Youth Voices

No FOMO! by Climate Youth Delegates

A 5 p.m. "Tea-brief" of what has been going on in other pavilions and sessions that you might have missed. Every afternoon aka at tea time, the Estonian and Latvian youth delegates Marie and Rūdolfs, together with guests, debrief and offer their perspective on what has been spotted by them at COP31.

Keynote speakers

Marie Johanna Univer, Youth Climate Delegate (Estonia)
Rūdolfs Podzis, Youth Climate Delegate (Latvia)
Additional Youth Climate Delegates from other countries(TBC)

Youth & Education

Monday, 16 November

Science, Industry and Technology

10:30–11:15

Panel Discussion

From Tree Huggers to Unicorns: How Science and Startups Can Build Climate Solutions

How can scientific knowledge become practical tools for better climate and forest management? This event explores how Estonia connects research, data and artificial intelligence to support evidence-based decisions and climate action. Three short pitches will showcase practical approaches from RMK, Kappazeta and Timbeter, followed by a panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges involved in turning scientific expertise into solutions with wider practical applications. Kappazeta uses AI-driven satellite data to monitor forests and assess changes such as disturbances and carbon stocks, while Timbeter develops digital tools for timber measurement, traceability and supply-chain management. Together, the speakers will examine how cooperation between researchers, businesses, forest managers and decision-makers can move climate innovation from knowledge to measurable impact.

Moderator

Helen Sulg, Head of Development and Partnerships, KIK Environmental Investment Centre, (Estonia)

Keynote speakers

Meelis Seedre, Head of Forestry & Carbon Domain, KappaZeta (Estonia)
Anna-Greta Tsahkna, CEO, Timbeter (Estonia)
Mikk Marran, Chairman of the Management Board, RMK (Estonia)

Carbon & Critical MaterialsDigital & Green Tech

12:00–12:45

Panel Discussion

Carbon, a Resource, Not Nuisance

Around the world, large volumes of industrial residues and mineral-rich waste streams contain valuable raw materials that could be recovered, while simultaneously providing opportunities for permanent carbon storage through mineralisation. However, the lack of clear and internationally aligned frameworks for CO₂ management, carbon accounting methodologies, certification, and transport infrastructure continues to limit investment in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) solutions. In this session, speakers will explore how CO₂ can move from being seen as a waste product to becoming a valuable resource.

Moderator

Alar Saluste, OSA Project and Ash2Salt, Ragn-Sells (Estonia)

Speakers

Representative of CO₂ Value Europe(TBC)
Laura Remmelgas, Director of the Department of Climate and Environmentally Sustainable Economy, Ministry of Climate (Estonia)(TBC)
Cris-Tiina Pärn, Estonian Environmental Research Centre (EKUK) (Estonia)
Emma Wiesner, Member of the European Parliament (Sweden)(TBC)
Representative of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic)(TBC)

Carbon & Critical MaterialsCircular Economy & ResourcesClimate Finance & InvestmentDigital & Green Tech

16:45–17:15

Youth Voices

No FOMO! by Climate Youth Delegates

A 5 p.m. "Tea-brief" of what has been going on in other pavilions and sessions that you might have missed. Every afternoon aka at tea time, the Estonian and Latvian youth delegates Marie and Rūdolfs, together with guests, debrief and offer their perspective on what has been spotted by them at COP31.

Keynote speakers

Emaan Danish Khan, EarthWarriorz (Pakistan)
Additional Youth Climate Delegates from other countries(TBC)

Tuesday, 17 November

Ocean, Seas, Nature and Land Use — Rio Synergy

10:45–11:15

High-Level Dialogue

Estonia–Oman High-Level Dialogue: Building National Climate-Delivery Capability

This high-level Estonia–Oman panel will explore how trusted environmental information and digital public infrastructure can help turn climate and environmental priorities into real-world delivery. Estonia and Oman will bring two national perspectives: Estonia’s experience with secure, interoperable information exchange and Oman’s work to strengthen environmental data capability under Vision 2040. The discussion will focus on how data, institutions and implementation can be connected into effective national climate-delivery capability. The format will include a 30-minute moderated discussion followed by 10–15 minutes of audience Q&A.

Moderator

Mark Skljarov, Co-founder and CEO, WasteLocker; PhD Researcher in Environmental Engineering; EU Climate Pact Ambassador (Estonia)

Speakers

H.E. Dr Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, President of the Environment Authority of Oman, President of the 7th United Nations Environment Assembly UNEA-7
H.E. Erkki Keldo, Minister of Energy and the Environment of Estonia

Digital & Green TechGovernance & Policy

13:00–13:45

High-Level Dialogue

Beyond Pulp and Paper: Can Wood Power the Next Industrial Revolution?

The transition away from fossil-based materials is creating new opportunities for wood-based chemicals, materials and other high-value products. But access to sustainable biomass alone is not enough. The key question is where the next generation of competitive bio-based industries can actually be built. What does it take to move from promising technology to commercial-scale production? How important are secure and traceable feedstock, competitive energy, technology, policy stability and cooperation between the public and private sectors? Bringing together perspectives from government, sustainable forest management and global industry, this session will explore what makes a region attractive for the next generation of wood-based industrial investment and whether Northern Europe, including Estonia, can become one of those locations.

Speakers

H.E. Erkki Keldo, Minister of Energy and Environment (Estonia)
Mikk Marran, Chairman of the Management Board, RMK (Estonia)

14:15–15:00

Fireside chat

The Digital Watershed: Scaling Catchment-based Water and Climate Governance

Climate change is intensifying floods, droughts, coastal pressures and water quality challenges, while incomplete data and fragmented governance continue to hinder effective responses. While catchment-based approaches offer a proven way to enhance sustainable water management, they can be further enhanced by digital solutions and effective community engagement. The aim of this session is to explore how we can scale catchment-based water management to a new level, creating impact across communities and national borders. Through moderated expert discussions drawing on global and national experiences, the session will examine how shared data, community participation, coordinated monitoring and cross-border cooperation can turn water and climate strategies into effective action.

Moderator

Prof. Jaanus Terasmaa, Acting Director, Institute of Ecology, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University (Estonia)

Speakers

Anna Salminen, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Finland)
Elina Leiner, Head of Department, Estonian Environmental Board (Estonia)
Walid Oueslati, Head the Climate, Biodiversity and Water Division, OECD Environment Directorate

Digital & Green TechGovernance & Policy

15:30–16:15

Fireside chat

Antarctica: Legitimacy of Science in Climate Decision-Making

Polar regions are among the fastest-warming areas on our planet. The Antarctic Treaty stands as one of the world's most successful international legal frameworks, dedicating the continent to peace, science, and environmental protection. Since 1995, SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) has served as a primary advisory body on climate impact discussions regarding the Antarctic environment. Yet multilateral negotiations in Antarctica and beyond are increasingly complicated by the erosion of trust in science, deliberate mobilisation of alternative science, non-consensual scientific evidence and calls for more science. In this fireplace chat, the moderator invites the President of SCAR, Gary Wilson, to discuss the current state of climate change and governance in Antarctica, the possibilities of the scientific community and non-governmental institutions to bring about change in climate diplomacy, the importance of stable science funding, as well as the opportunities presented by the next International Polar Year.

Moderator

Prof. Kati Lindström, Vice-Chair, The Polar Research Committee of the Estonian Academy of Sciences (Estonia)

Speaker

Prof. Gary Wilson, President, Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, SCAR (New Zealand)

16:45–17:15

Youth Voices

No FOMO! by Climate Youth Delegates

A 5 p.m. "Tea-brief" of what has been going on in other pavilions and sessions that you might have missed. Every afternoon aka at tea time, the Estonian and Latvian youth delegates Marie and Rūdolfs, together with guests, debrief and offer their perspective on what has been spotted by them at COP31.

Keynote speakers

Emaan Danish Khan, EarthWarriorz (Pakistan)
Additional Youth Climate Delegates from other countries(TBC)

Wednesday, 18 November

Human and Social Development

10:30–11:15

Panel Discussion

Civic Movements Muscle: Building Social Resilience in Critical Times

When floods, heatwaves or war strike, the communities that recover best are those with strong social ties. This panel looks at how mass civic movements build that "civic muscle" before a crisis hits. World Cleanup Day began in Estonia in 2008 and now mobilises millions of people in 190+ countries each year. Let's Do It Ukraine turned its cleanup network into a humanitarian lifeline in the first days of the full-scale invasion. Speakers from Let's Do It Ukraine, UN-Habitat and the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will discuss how citizen networks protect vulnerable groups, sustain livelihoods and support a just transition. They will also discuss how governments, cities and the UN system can recognise civic participation as a core part of climate resilience, and invest in it.

Moderator

Annika Arras, Founder and Partner, Miltton Estonia (Estonia)(TBC)

Speakers

Heidi Solba, Co-founder, President and Head of Global Network, Let's Do It World (Estonia)
Filiep Decorte, Inter-Regional Advisor and Emergency Director, UN-Habitat (Kenya)
Yuliia Marhel, President, Let's Do It Ukraine (Ukraine)(TBC)
Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Estonia)(TBC)

Digital & Green TechGovernance & Policy

13:00–14:00

Interactive Game

When Disaster Strikes: Who Gets Saved First?

When floods, heatwaves and other climate hazards strike, who gets help first? Step into the decision-maker's shoes in PREPCAP, an interactive, science-based simulation game grounded in the latest research on disaster vulnerability and preparedness. Experience how cascading climate hazards can expose hidden weaknesses in emergency response systems - and why one-size-fits-all solutions often fail. Working together, participants will navigate a realistic crisis scenario, identify vulnerable groups, make tough decisions about urgent needs and limited resources, and uncover critical gaps in preparedness and coordination. Are we truly prepared for climate disasters – and prepared to protect everyone? Join this hands-on challenge, test your assumptions and discover how research can help build smarter, fairer and more resilient communities. No previous simulation experience is required.

Convenors

Prof. Kati Orru, Professor in Sociology of Risk and Resilience, University of Tartu, Institute of Social Studies
Ahmed Rezk, Junior Researcher in Sociology of Risk, University of Tartu, Institute of Social Studies

15:30–16:15

Panel Discussion

Cultural Heritage in Climate Action - Plans to Accelerate Solutions

Climate science and policy recognize the importance of addressing the socio-cultural enablers of climate action. The session highlights three heritage-centric plans to accelerate climate solutions, where ICOMOS and its Estonian partners are active: Heritage-Informed Building Decarbonization, Heritage Adapts! and Integration of Cultural Heritage in NAPs. Three Coalition-led Cultural Heritage Centric global PAS of the global climate action agenda Axis 5 are concrete measurable ways to highlight the role of cultural heritage in the climate policies and action. Heritage Now! is a campaign to harness the potential of built heritage for a resilient, climate positive and just future. Heritage Adapts! Is a movement of community stewards adapting their heritage sites and cultural practices to climate change. GFCBCA initiative targets cultural heritage-based solutions in National Adaptation Plans.

Moderator

Ave Paulus, ICOMOS Climate Action Working Group; ICOMOS Estonia (Estonia) — Heritage Adapts! Campaign in Estonia: The Lahemaa National Park Case

Speakers

Gráinne Shaffrey, President, ICOMOS (Ireland) — Heritage-Based Decarbonisation of the Built Environment: The Irish Case
Andrew Potts, Europa Nostra — The Role of Cultural Heritage in Global Climate Policies
Antonio Queterres, Spanish Government; GFCBCA (Spain) — Cultural Heritage in Spain’s Climate Agenda
Meredith Wiggins, World Monuments Fund (USA)

Carbon & Critical MaterialsCultural Heritage & ResilienceDigital & Green Tech

16:45–17:15

Youth Voices

No FOMO! by Climate Youth Delegates

A 5 p.m. "Tea-brief" of what has been going on in other pavilions and sessions that you might have missed. Every afternoon aka at tea time, the Estonian and Latvian youth delegates Marie and Rūdolfs, together with guests, debrief and offer their perspective on what has been spotted by them at COP31.

Keynote speakers

Emaan Danish Khan, EarthWarriorz (Pakistan)
Additional Youth Climate Delegates from other countries(TBC)

Thursday, 19 November

Start Up Day

16:45–17:15

Youth Voices

No FOMO! by Climate Youth Delegates

A 5 p.m. "Tea-brief" of what has been going on in other pavilions and sessions that you might have missed. Every afternoon aka at tea time, the Estonian and Latvian youth delegates Marie and Rūdolfs, together with guests, debrief and offer their perspective on what has been spotted by them at COP31.

Keynote speakers

Emaan Danish Khan, EarthWarriorz (Pakistan)
Additional Youth Climate Delegates from other countries(TBC)