London, 25 June – His Majesty The King has met with over 20 climate leaders at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 24 June, following an impactful cross-sector conversation and reception hosted by Climate Action during London Climate Action Week.
As the presidency of the UN climate talks pass from Brazil to Türkiye and Australia, His Majesty heard how the roundtable brought together climate leaders from government, the UN, business, and civil society to keep global climate action aligned behind delivery. Convened in support of the Action Agenda, the discussion examined practical examples already making progress, and how those success stories can be turned into the building blocks of a stronger COP31 outcome.
Key participants included Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, André Corrêa do Lago, COP30 President, Katie White, UK Minister for Climate, and Samed Ağırbaş, COP31 High-Level Champion. Former US Vice President Al Gore also participated, alongside John Kerry, former US Secretary of State, Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and Planetary Guardian, and actors Theo James and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Key participants from the business community included: Octopus Energy CEO Greg Jackson, Chika Aghadiuno, Chief Risk Officer at Munich Re Speciality – Global Markets, Eva Riesenhuber, Global Head of Sustainability at Siemens.
The discussion was facilitated by Climate Action’s David Saddington.
The King heard about how the roundtable focused on the Action Agenda, a crucial part of the Paris Agreement and COP process, designed to strengthen the role of businesses, cities, investors, communities and civil society in delivering climate action beyond formal negotiations. It brings together the people and coalitions turning climate commitments into practical change, from clean energy and farming to nature, resilience and public engagement.
The event took place at the mid-point of the climate calendar, during London Climate Action Week, the world’s largest Climate Week, which this year brings together over 75,000 attendees and features more than 1,400 events across the city.
Nick Henry, founder and chief executive of Climate Action, which organised the event, said:
“The Action Agenda shows the world is making real progress, and the rise of clean energy is accelerating it. This is work owned by everyone, the businesses, communities and innovators turning pledges into action, already driving growth, jobs and energy security. To have the opportunity to report back to His Majesty at Buckingham Palace demonstrates its global significance ahead of COP31 in Türkiye this November”.
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Notes to editors
The convening was held under the Chatham House Rules. Approved quotes are available below. Media may use any of the quotes provided.
UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell said: “The solutions for a faster, fairer shift to clean energy and climate resilience already exist. Our task is to scale them faster and ensure the vast benefits are shared right around the world: stronger economies, more jobs, more affordable and secure energy, better health, among many others.
To do that, it’s crucial to bring together governments, businesses, investors and communities, and the Global Climate Action Agenda is an essential way to do so. The Action Agenda is a vital bridge, helping turn global pledges into real-world results that billions of people can see and feel in their daily lives.”
Katie White MP, Minister for Climate: “As the world comes together for the biggest London Climate Action Week yet, in the midst of a heat wave, businesses, investors and communities are all driving action on clean energy, climate and nature.“
“His Majesty The King has long understood the importance of collective action on the climate crisis. And today’s roundtable shows how every part of society can help turn climate ambition into delivery, strengthening energy security, creating jobs and growth, and building momentum towards COP31.”
Samed Ağırbaş, COP31 High-Level Champion: “A people-centered and inclusive approach will guide everything we do on the road to COP31 in Antalya. Success will depend on partnership and collaboration. It will depend on our ability to work across sectors and societies to accelerate implementation where it matters most. Samed Ağırbaş, COP31 Climate High-Level Champion.”
Secretary John Kerry: “His Majesty has been one of the world’s most steadfast and effective voices for climate action, long before many others were willing to speak out. His leadership has helped inspired action across governments, businesses, and communities.“
“It is fitting that we gathered at Buckingham Palace on one of the hottest days of the year, with London experiencing record temperatures that serve as yet another reminder that climate change is not a distant threat – it is a present reality.“
Theo James, actor and Blue Marine Foundation ambassador: “The ocean is one of our greatest allies in the fight against climate change, and protecting it has never been more important. The 30×30 target gives us a real chance to make a difference, and it’s inspiring to see so many people coming together with a shared plan to deliver it. With COP31 ahead, this is the moment to put the ocean where it belongs – at the very heart of
the climate conversation.”
About Climate Action: Climate Action is a London-based, mission-led business founded 19 years ago by Founder and CEO Nick Henry. Climate Action runs high-level climate events worldwide and is a core delivery partner for London Climate Action Week, where it convenes the Climate Innovation Forum, the opening flagship event.
Photography: Images to accompany the release are available here
