BSI at the Conference of the Parties (COP)

What is the Conference of the Parties (COP)?

The Conference of the Parties, better known as COP, is the decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). At COP, all representatives of all 165 countries or ‘Parties’ to the UNFCCC are represented. COP assesses the effects of measures the Parties take to limit climate change.

When and where is COP happening?

COP happens every year unless otherwise agreed by the parties. This year, the 28^th COP will take place from 30 November until 12 December 2023 in Dubai, UAE.

Who goes to COP?

The 165 signatories or Parties to the UNFCCC meet at COP. In addition to the UNFCCC signatories, there are also representatives from civil society, policymakers, youth, businesses and investors, frontline communities, indigenous peoples, and international organizations.

What does BSI do at COP?

As the UK’s National Standards Body (NSB), BSI’s presence at COP strengthens collaborations and explores partnerships to further build on the power of standards as accelerators for climate solutions.

Standards are crucial to ensuring the net zero transition happens successfully and swiftly. BSI has an ever-growing portfolio of standards that help streamline the transition and support organizations of all sectors and sizes to develop responsibly amid climate change.

Our BSI delegation at COP28 has observer status and will come together with policymakers, stakeholders, and other standards bodies like ISO, to leverage the power of standards.

In previous years, BSI has contributed to a series of initiatives that have led to significant scaling of climate solutions and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, such as the launch of Our 2050 World and the ISO Net Zero Guidelines.

At this year's conference, as world leaders and delegates alike focus their attention on progress and policy, BSI will be ensuring that the planning and management of the event is delivered sustainably by auditing COP28 against ISO 20121: Sustainable event management. This is the second COP where BSI has been selected to undertake this role, and a clear demonstration of the important role that standards and assurance play in bringing confidence, independence and transparency.