The UN Global Compact Network Australia (UNGCNA) has joined the Maximum Ambition Coalition (MAX), an action-oriented coalition working to support Australia in delivering a successful COP31 in partnership with Pacific Island nations.
The coalition is focused on aligning Australia’s COP31 agenda with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, while supporting economic prosperity and accelerating climate action.
Building momentum ahead of COP31
Australia will hold the Presidency for Negotiations at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), which will be held in November 2026.
Working in partnership with Türkiye, Australia will have a unique opportunity to help progress global climate action and unlock further action on climate change mitigation across the region and beyond.
The participation in MAX provides an opportunity to help mobilise business leadership, accelerate climate action and strengthen collaboration across business, government, investors and other sectors.
The engagement also aligns with UNGCNA’s business roadmap and its work leading up to COP31, supporting Australian businesses to contribute to ambitious net zero and nature-positive outcomes.
What is the Maximum Ambition Coalition?
MAX brings together organisations from across business, finance, policy and climate sectors to support Australia’s role as President of Negotiations at COP31.
The coalition is taking a dynamic, evidence-based approach to developing and implementing ambitious climate initiatives, with a particular focus on climate mitigation.
By working collaboratively, MAX aims to amplify the collective voice of its members and strengthen their ability to influence key decisions, increase climate ambition and drive practical action.
The coalition will focus on:
- Supporting a strong enabling environment for Australia’s COP31 agenda.
- Identifying key opportunities to increase climate ambition and accelerate mitigation across Australia and the region.
- Developing signature COP31 initiatives to raise global ambition.
- Building momentum for regional decarbonisation.
COP31 represents an important opportunity for Australia to demonstrate leadership on effective climate action and strengthen collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region.
For Australian businesses, the lead-up to COP31 provides an opportunity to engage with the climate transition, strengthen collaboration and contribute to practical solutions that support ambitious net zero and nature-positive outcomes.
With UNGCNA joining MAX, the coalition brings together a broad range of organisations working to build momentum for stronger climate action ahead of COP31.
Current MAX members include the Australian Industry Group, Australian Sustainable Finance Institute, Clean Energy Investor Group, Climate Resource, Climateworks Centre, Energy Efficiency Council, Investor Group on Climate Change, Lowy Institute, Principles for Responsible Investment, Smart Energy Council, The Superpower Institute and the UN Global Compact Network Australia.
Climateworks also acknowledges the support of The Myer Foundation for this work.