Covalent organic framework (COF)-derived carbons have various applications in electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems. In this work, we have constructed a highly active catalyst (Ir-COF@ZIF₈₀₀) for the HER and ORR by integrating multifunctional sites (Ir nanoparticles, Co–N sites and Co nanoparticles) into core–shell COF@ZIF-67-derived carbon.