COP24
KATOWICE
UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE
What is the UN Climate Summit (COP24)?
The UN climate summits, i.e. so called COP (Conference of the Parties) are global conferences, in the course of which action for climate policy is negotiated. Poland hosted them twice - in 2008, in Poznań and in 2013, in Warsaw.
In December 2018, for the first time, the climate summit will take place in Katowice. In April 2017 the UN technical mission delegates, while visiting the capital of Upper Silesia, appreciated the city’s excellent preparation for the event, including its infrastructure, meeting the highest standards.
The candidacy of Katowice received recognition from Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Development – Mateusz Morawiecki, as well as the Minister of the Environment, Professor Jan Szyszko, who stated that, ‘The whole region of Upper Silesia and Zagłębie is a very important example of what can be achieved through consistent policy of sustainable development and economic transformation. ‘
This year's summit will include: 24. Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP24), 14. Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 14) and the Conference of Signatories to the Paris Agreement (CMA 1).
About 20 thousand people from 190 countries will take part in the event, including politicians, representatives of non-governmental organizations, scientific community and business sector.
News
14.12.2018
COP24 VOLUNTEERS THANKED FOR THEIR WORK
An official meeting with the volunteers was held in the International Congress Centre on the last day of the COP24 climate summit at 11:00. The main point of the meeting was to thank the volunteers who supported the organisation of this very important event with great commitment over the last 3 weeks.
13.12.2018
Weekend transport services to Krakow and Krakow Airport
A Katowice – Krakow – Katowice line, via Krakow Airport, has been established especially for the guests of the Climate Summit.
13.12.2018
Extraordinary laser show on the Katowice market square
There was a unique laser and multimedia performance with video mapping on the Katowice market square at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. on 12 December.
12.12.2018
Performance of children's choirs and Bernadette La Hengst as part of the Save The World project
On 11 December 2018, during COP24, the German artist Bernadette La Hengst gave a performance. Since 2014, she has been involved in the “Save the World” project and works to protect the environment. The performance was held at the Fiji stall. In the premiere performance of the song “I need air”, she was accompanied by children's choirs from Katowice.
12.12.2018
The appeal of children to the delegates of the Climate Summit
„We want to grow up and make our dreams come true in a safe world in which man respects nature and makes wise use of its gifts” – this is the appeal of Sandra Szylak, one of the laureates of the eCOPaka competition, as part of which students from 78 schools from Katowice gave special gifts to the delegates of the Climate Summit on 11 December.
11.12.2018
Cities and regions working together for the climate
Urban green areas, reduction of environmental pollution, investments in the development of cycling and public transport infrastructure, as well as cities friendly to their residents. These were the subjects discussed by the participants of the meeting “Katowice changes the climate. The culmination of cities and regions at COP24” on Monday.
10.12.2018
Christmas atmosphere in Nikiszowiec!
The extraordinary “Nikisz Christmas Fair” took place for the eleventh time during the weekend from 7th to 9th December in the magical, historic district of Nikiszowiec. This is one of the most atmospheric and popular Christmas fairs in the region. This year, the event was host to about 200 vendors and over 50 thousand visitors.
10.12.2018
Urban Day at COP24
How are cities and regions coping with adaptation to climate change? How to carry out the transformation from an economy based on fossil fuels and steel industry?
10.12.2018
Opening of the DevaStation exhibition
On 7 December, at 5:00 p.m., in the ZPAP ArtNova2 Gallery of Deputy Mayor of Katowice Marzena Szuba, representatives of the city of Cologne and representatives of the ZPAP Association of Polish Artists and Designers inaugurated an exhibition called "DevaStation".
09.12.2018
A week full of accompanying events
The second week of COP 24 is still an excellent opportunity to take part in numerous special events. These will include:
07.12.2018
Cyclists “ride with us" in Katowice
On 7 December, at 3:00 p.m., Katowice City officials welcomed a 19-person relay of Italian riders who, on the occasion of the 24th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention COP24, cycled the distance of more than 1200 kilometres from Venice to Katowice.
07.12.2018
SANTA VISITED THE YOUNGEST RESIDENTS OF KATOWICE
6 December, or Santa Claus Day, is an ideal opportunity to see the patron of this holiday personally. He did not forget to stop by Katowice and meet with the youngest inhabitants of our city at 4:00 p.m. On this special day, Santa Claus brought a sweet treat to every polite child.
07.12.2018
FINALE OF THE ACTION ZOOM – KIDS ON THE MOVE!
The grand finale of the "ZOOM – KIDS ON THE MOVE" action started on 7 December at noon. The originator of this action is the Climate Alliance, which in 2002 organised the first such project in Germany. It has proven very popular and is still active throughout Europe.
06.12.2018
Creative People Facing Global Challenges – panel discussion in Muzeum Śląskie
In the occasion of COP24 in Katowice, Art of Change 21 and Muzeum Śląskie invite you to attend the panel discussion “Creative People Facing Global Challenges” in Muzeum Śląskie.
06.12.2018
Transport Day 2018
A conference entitled "Transport Day 2018" was held in the Youth Culture Centre on 6 December as one of the events accompanying Cop24 in Katowice. During the conference, participants discussed the issue of sustainable transport and the use of new technologies to make public transport even more friendly for the environment.
06.12.2018
Guided tour to the Nikiszowiec district by hydrogen bus.
JSW SA has been working on carbon-neutral technologies. The company has a huge potential in this field, based on hydrogen recovered from coke-oven gas, which is produced in its coking plants. Purified hydrogen can be used, among others, in hydrogen cells for emission-free production of electric energy, clean public transport and supplying electrical equipment.
06.12.2018
Join the sightrunning tours in Katowice!
Explore our city - the host of COP24! All the COP24 participants can join a dedicated running training led by local athletes.
05.12.2018
Cities for Climate
The “NAZCA” session: “Local action for global challenges” – one of the main events of the COP24 Climate Summit was held a part of the Cities form Climate Urban Summit by COP24 on 5 December at 10:30 in the International Congress Centre in Katowice.
05.12.2018
A MAGICAL SHOW ON THE MARKET SQUARE
On 4 December at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 p.m., the residents of Katowice and our guests had the opportunity to see an extraordinary, five-minute mapping, displayed on the façade of the City Hall building, prepared by Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa.
05.12.2018
The Friendship and Peace Concert
The MARCHOŁT Independent Associations Club invites guests and COP24 participants to the Friendship and Peace Concert, which will take place on December 5th at 7 p.m. at the Katowice City of Gardens - K. Bochenek Cultural Institution at pl. Sejm Śląski 2 in Katowice.
05.12.2018
Welcome Party for Cop24 guests
The second day of the UN Climate Summit in Katowice was filled to the brim with attractions and accompanying events. On that day there was also a welcome event for the participants of COP24. At 7:00 p.m., all guests gathered in the Spodek Arena were greeted by the Mayor of the City – Marcin Krupa.
05.12.2018
COP24 friendly - Silesian hospitality
The COP24 friendly project is a unique and interesting initiative of Silesian restaurants, pubs and shops, prepared for the participants of the UN Climate Summit. The programme will be implemented in five categories: breakfast, lunch, dinner, clubbing and shopping.
04.12.2018
A new mural in the centre of Katowice! Created for the climate summit
A cross between pop culture observations and an artistic vision of the creator thrown on the city walls. A pictorial commentary on the current reality or an abstract work of art that adds colour to the urban space.
04.12.2018
Climate Change – Urban and Regional Policies
International conference “Climate Change – Urban and Regional Policies”.
On 10th December 2018 in the open hall of the Academy of Fine Arts” in Katowice.
04.12.2018
A wake up by a brass band. Get to know the Silesian tradition.
If you see a spontaneous concert of a brass band dressed in black gala suits and shako hats (a hat with a plume) in the streets or a park today, don't be surprised. This is the celebration of St. Barbara's Day (Barbórka), a traditional holiday celebrated in the region of Silesia and connected with its mining history.
04.12.2018
The latest documentary by Ewa Ewart “The Curse of Abundance" – 5 December 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kosmos cinema
The latest documentary by Ewa Ewart “The Curse of Abundance” – 5 December 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kosmos cinema (66 Sokolska Street – Katowice).
04.12.2018
From Black to Green – feel invited to the Katowice area
A huge KATOWICE neon sign invites all participants of the UN Climate Summit to the area of the COP24 host city. The booth located in pavilion E presents the transformation of Katowice, changing in accordance with the message – from Black to Green. In the area you can relax, have a cup of coffee, talk and choose Silesian souvenirs referring to the mining history of Katowice.
04.12.2018
Visit the Silesian Museum during COP24!
The Silesian Museum in Katowice invites everyone to extraordinary events during the COP24 climate summit. The visitors will be able to take advantage of a special programme prepared for guests from Poland and abroad. The museum will host guided tours of the museum, exhibitions, presentations and meetings with artists.
04.12.2018
The week ahead of us is full of interesting events
The week ahead of us is full of interesting events accompanying the COP24 climate summit for the residents of our city.
03.12.2018
24th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention is now open!
The 24th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention was inaugurated on 3 December.
01.12.2018
Changes in traffic organisation due to the COP24 climate summit
The Climate Summit, which will attract 30,000 delegates from 196 countries to Katowice, comes with changes in traffic organisation – particularly in the Culture Zone and its neighbourhood.
01.12.2018
devaSTATION exhibition concepts
Vernissage 7.12.2018, 5:00 p.m.
Exhibition duration – until the end of December, 2018
Venue : ZPAP ArtNova2 Gallery in Katowice
30.11.2018
Eco Design It. In Silesia!
Design from Silesia combines motifs taken from art, architecture and crafts.
30.11.2018
INFORMATION POINT – GENERAL ZIETEK’S ROUNDABOUT – ROUNDABOUT DOME
The information point is dedicated to the guests of the COP24 event from Poland and abroad. The English and French-speaking staff is responsible for advising, informing about the place, time and dates of all events, activities and initiatives carried out within the framework of the COP24 conference agenda.
29.11.2018
SHADOW OF FREEDOM
The exhibition Shadow of Freedom aims to look back at the past hundred years through the eyes of art
29.11.2018
The temporary exhibition “Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz – the Asymmetrical Lady – presentation some portraits"
Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz, known by pen name Witkacy, (24.02.1885–18.09.1939) – a painter, drama writer, philosopher and art photographer, one of the most eminent Polish artists of the first half of the 20th century.
29.11.2018
Spiritual zone COP24
For human beings to contaminate the earth’s waters, its land, its air, and its life – these are sins”
22.11.2018
Important changes in traffic organisation during the climate summit – from 25 November to 17 December 2018
The Climate Summit, which will attract 30,000 delegates from 196 countries to Katowice, comes with changes in traffic organisation – particularly in the Culture Zone and its neighbourhood. Below you will find the changes in force as of 20 November.
21.11.2018
Dr. Bertrand Piccard, the Doctor Honoris Causa of the Silesian University of Technology
Dr. Bertrand Piccard - the first man who circled the globe by a plane powered entirely by solar energy, an extraordinary visionary and innovator –will be conferred the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the Silesian University of Technology.
19.11.2018
Katowice has a new Eco-experimentarium
The Eco-experimentarium is an exhibition that shows how to simplify life, save time and money, as well as eliminate what is unnecessary or unhealthy, from a family point of view.
16.11.2018
Transport Day – global debate on sustainable public transport
Air pollution is on the rise and the standards for CO2 content are constantly higher.
13.11.2018
The youth will talk about climate change
At the turn of November and December, young people from all over the world will come to Katowice to talk about climate change.
13.11.2018
100 oaks for the 100th anniversary of independence
City's inhabitants, local government officials and invited guests planted 100 trees in the Osiedle Tysiąclecia district of Katowice. In this unique way, Katowice celebrated the 100th anniversary of Poland regaining its independence.
21.08.2018
Become a volunteer at COP!
Are you interested in climate and environment protection? Do you want to be a part of the international community which works for our future?
29.05.2018
UN with a visit to Katowice
The representatives of the UNFCCC Secretariat have been staying in Poland since Sunday, 27th May.
16.05.2018
Agreement with the city of Katowice on COP24 signed
Henryk Kowalczyk, Minister of Environment, and Marcin Krupa, Mayor of Katowice, signed an agreement on the 15th of May 2018 regarding the organisation of the COP24 climate summit in Katowice.
11.04.2018
See what you can do for the environment
Segregate waste by putting it in the specially designated bins. Remember to empty the containers completely before discarding them.
01.02.2018
President of the Republic of Poland signed a law on special measures to ensure efficient organization of the COP24 conference.
The law should create the right conditions for hosting COP24 in Katowice.
19.12.2017
COP24 December 2017
From 4th to 7th December another technical mission of the UNFCCC Secretariat and the Ministry of the Environment
08.11.2017
The next year COP24 will be held in Katowice
In search for good practices and best solutions, the Katowice City delegation has visited Bonn during COP23.
06.11.2017
Katowice during COP23 in Bonn
You are welcome to visit our stand from 6 to 17 November 2017
06.11.2017
Replacement of boilers
In accordance with the anti-smog resolution, the Municipal Housing Facility (KZGM) is intensifying its action and plans to change the heating system in dwellings which comprise the Council housing stock.
17.10.2017
Blues between the Rhein and the Rawa
That night will be a real treat for blues lovers. ”The Katowice-Cologne Sister Cities Association” invites you to a cultural evening entitled ”Blues between the Rhein and the Rawa”, which will take place on 10th November at 7 p.m. in the hall of Forum Volkshochschule w Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum in Köln-Neumarkt.
Why Katowice?
CITY TRANSFORMATION
Revitalization of the former coal mining area enabled the establishment of the Culture Zone – a unique space on the national scale. The new headquarters of the Silesian Museum, NOSPR (Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra) and the International Congress Centre in the vicinity of the legendary "Saucer" bring prestige to the city, attracting both locals and tourists to its center.
METROPOLIS
Katowice is not only a city inhabited by approximately 300 thousand people but also the heart of Upper-Silesia and Zagłębie Metropolis, integrating 41 cities and municipalities, populated by more than 2 million people. The urban body created in July 2017 is an expression of joint commitment and concern for the welfare of the region, which offers a real opportunity for accelerated, dynamic development.
ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
The region which is traditionally associated with coal mining and heavy industry gradually strives to become a leader in innovation and new technologies. These ambitions are reflected in the development of modern business sectors and sustainable investments.
CITY OF EVENTS
Katowice, as the host of many international events, is perfectly prepared to host large conferences. The state-of-the-art congress centre, well-developed hotel facilities and transport network are the characteristics that make the capital of the conurbation the city of business tourism.
ECO-RESPONSIBILITY
The city with extensive experience in levelling the effects of long-term environmental degradation. Thanks to the efforts made, the quality of air, the condition of the environment as well as the standard of inhabitants’ life are clearly improving.
TRANSPORT
Three international airports (KTW and KRK, OSR), two motorways, national and regional roads, modern rail and public transportation make up an extensive transport network that provides the possibility to easily reach the city from almost every part of the country and the world.
About Katowice
Katowice is a fairly young, only slightly more than 150-year-old city in the South of Poland. It is one of the most developed business centres in the country, with a significant share of industrial activity. It is the capital of the Silesian Voivodship, and from 1st July 2017 – the largest city of the Upper Silesia and Zagłębie Metropolis, inhabited by over 2 million people. It is home to renowned academic, medical and cultural institutions. The hallmark of Katowice is the "Saucer" sports and entertainment arena with its shape resembling a UFO, which has hosted many international music stars, and more.
Katowice Climate
Katowice is located in the humid continental climate zone, with warm summer, mild winter and moderate rainfall throughout the year. In December 2018, when the UN Climate Summit (COP24) will be taking place, during the day the temperature may range from 0 to + 5 degrees Celsius, and at night – it may fall below zero. It will be also likely to snow, which may be accompanied by high overcast and chilly winds. Consequently, the Conference participants are recommended to prepare warm overcoats and moisture and cold-resistant footwear. Winter hats, scarves, gloves and umbrellas will also come in handy. The current weather forecast for Katowice can be checked at: Weather forecast
COP24 friendly
COP24 Participant,
Welcome to Katowice!
Meet our COP24 Friendly Program:
Especially for you, we have prepared a list of recommended places in our city, where you can eat well, do interesting shopping and have fun. From the list below, select the places that interest you, remember to take the ID and enjoy! Places chosen by us will serve you in English and prepare a special offer for COP24 guests.
Check our hospitality!
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