Durban will play host to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17) from today for the next two weeks.

Since the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change entered into force in 1995, the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC have been meeting annually to assess progress in dealing with climate change.

But this event is set to generate a great deal of headlines, with a host of celebrities set to jet into the city next week.

Angelina Jolie, Bono and actor Leonardo DiCaprio are among those organisers are expecting to attend.

Eco-conscience celebrities from around the world are expected in Durban

Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, former US vice-president Al Gore, New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and Virgin Group chief Richard Branson will also make appearances.

Gore and DiCaprio are known for their outspoken stance on climate change issues, with both fronting high-profile films and various green campaigns.

For more information head over to the official website.

ICC Durban – which will host the event – has been nominated as the World’s Leading Meeting & Conference Centre by the World Travel Awards.