Newsrooms name one focal point to get COP31 press badges

Newsrooms that want reporters on the ground at the UN climate summit must complete COP31 press accreditation through a new two-stage system: every journalist first registers individually in the UNFCCC Online Registration System (ORS), and then each media organisation’s single Media Focal Point submits the organisation’s nomination through the Indico UN platform. The rules were set out by Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications on 13 August 2026, and all applications must be completed no later than 16 October 2026 — just 15 days from now.

FAKTA: COP31 press accreditation in brief

COP31 press accreditation: who can apply

Press accreditation is reserved for media professionals working in print, photography, radio, television, film, news agencies and online media. Each applicant must represent a bona fide media organisation that is formally registered as a media organisation in a country recognised by the United Nations General Assembly. The UNFCCC Secretariat may take measures to manage the number of accredited media attending the conference, including for safety, security and capacity reasons.

The two-step application process

The new media accreditation model introduced for COP31 splits the application into two stages, and the order matters. First, every individual media staff member assigned to cover the conference must submit an application through the UNFCCC Online Registration System (ORS) at onlinereg.unfccc.int. Only after all assigned staff have completed their individual ORS applications should the organisation’s single Media Focal Point submit the organisation’s application on behalf of everyone through the Indico UN platform at indico.un.org.

The focal point’s Indico submission must include a letter of assignment on the organisation’s official letterhead — addressed to the UN Climate Change Press Office, naming the focal point and confirming they are authorised to assign staff — together with a full list of the assigned personnel, with each person’s full name as shown on ID, the email address used for their ORS application, and their role (journalist, cameraperson, audio technician, and so on). Guidance and tutorials for both the ORS and Indico steps are published on the UNFCCC Press and Media page.

What the Media Focal Point is responsible for

The designated Media Focal Point is the newsroom’s single point of contact for the entire accreditation process. If the nomination is approved, the focal point receives a confirmation email and the corresponding ORS registrations of the assigned personnel are approved automatically. Any changes to the list of assigned personnel after submission must be reported to the UNFCCC Press Office at press@unfccc.int.

Accreditation decisions rest with the UNFCCC. If accreditation is denied, the applicant or editor may request a brief written explanation and may submit one appeal with additional supporting information. Detailed criteria are published on the official media nomination page on Indico UN, indico.un.org, which is the platform used to register an organisation’s media focal point. For related coverage on Watan News, see the same story on watannews.dk/en and more climate coverage in the Climate section.

Deadlines, fees and contacts

There is no fee for the accreditation and registration process, but submitting an application does not guarantee a badge — capacity and security constraints apply. Accreditation granted for earlier UNFCCC conferences or events does not carry over to COP31; every outlet must apply specifically for this conference. Information on visas, accommodation, transportation and other visitor arrangements is published on the official COP31 Türkiye website, and questions about media accreditation and applications should be sent to the UNFCCC Press Office at press@unfccc.int.

Conclusion

The focal-point model marks a clear shift in how the UNFCCC manages press access: one verified contact per newsroom, individual vetting through the ORS, and a hard deadline of 16 October 2026. Newsrooms planning to cover the Antalya summit should designate their Media Focal Point now and make sure every team member’s individual application is in before the focal point files — in that order, and well ahead of the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for COP31 press accreditation?

Media accreditation applications must be completed no later than 16 October 2026.

What does a Media Focal Point do?

Each media organisation designates one Media Focal Point as its single point of contact. The focal point submits the organisation’s nomination through the Indico UN platform once all assigned staff have completed their individual ORS applications, and receives the confirmation if accreditation is approved.

Which documents does the focal point need?

A letter of assignment on official letterhead — addressed to the UN Climate Change Press Office and signed by the focal point’s supervisor, confirming authorisation to assign staff and the type of coverage planned — plus a list of assigned personnel with full names as shown on ID, their ORS email addresses and their roles.

Is there a fee for press accreditation?

No. There is no fee for the accreditation and registration process, but submitting an application does not guarantee accreditation, and numbers may be limited for safety, security and capacity reasons.

Does accreditation from a previous COP count?

No. Accreditation must be granted specifically for COP31; accreditation from previous UNFCCC conferences or events does not apply.