Türkiye Champions Multilateral Climate Action Ahead of COP31 Summit
Ingrid Solberg | AFP
Türkiye, set to host COP31 in Antalya from Nov. 9-20, pledges a transparent and inclusive approach to foster international cooperation and turn climate commitments into concrete outcomes.
On Friday, Türkiye emphasized its dedication to promoting multilateralism and international climate cooperation as it prepares to host the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya from November 9 to 20, featuring a leaders’ summit. Ambassador Ahmet Yildiz, Türkiye’s permanent representative to the UN, highlighted these priorities during a special event titled 'A Planet Fit for the Future: Restoring Trust through Climate Action,' convened by the president of the UN General Assembly.
Ambassador Yildiz stated, 'At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainties and increasing climate skepticism, Türkiye has assumed the COP31 presidency with a strong commitment to multilateralism and international climate cooperation.' He underlined the importance of translating existing commitments into practical measures and measurable results as the international community embarks on the second decade of the Paris Agreement.
Key Goals for the COP31 Conference
Ambassador Yildiz outlined Türkiye's ambition to convert climate pledges into 'concrete action and tangible outcomes,' asserting the country's readiness to conduct the presidency in a 'transparent, consultative, and predictable manner.' Preparations for the Antalya conference are being intensified to ensure the success of these efforts.
Yildiz emphasized the importance of facilitating dialog and working towards balanced, consensus-based outcomes, declaring that the success of COP31 would ultimately depend on collective efforts. 'We will facilitate dialog and work towards balanced and consensus-based outcomes. At the end, COP 31 success will ultimately be our collective effort,' he added.
Call for Global Engagement
The ambassador urged countries to ensure high-level participation at the summit, suggesting that engagement from national leaders would be crucial in strengthening international cooperation and building momentum for climate action. Yildiz's call for extensive involvement underscores the significance of COP31 as a platform for promoting global climate initiatives.
Türkiye’s approach to COP31 is rooted in fostering inclusivity and consensus, reflecting broader themes of transparency and cooperation within the international community. 'The participation of national leaders will be important in strengthening international cooperation and building momentum for climate action,' Yildiz said.
Implications for Cities and Urban Policy
As Türkiye takes the helm for COP31, the emphasis on tangible outcomes and multilateral cooperation can serve as a model for cities aiming to enhance their climate policies. Urban centers worldwide may draw lessons from Türkiye’s strategy of transparent and predictable engagement to align local efforts with international climate goals.
Türkiye’s presidency at COP31 provides an opportunity for cities to advocate for municipal interests within global discussions. With an inclusive approach, cities can better position themselves to access international resources and partnerships, critical for implementing effective local climate measures.
Questions That Matter
What is Türkiye's focus for COP31?
Türkiye's focus for COP31, as stated by Ambassador Ahmet Yildiz, is to translate existing climate commitments into practical measures and measurable results. The country aims to foster transparency and facilitate international cooperation during the conference.
When?
COP31 is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026. The conference will include a leaders’ summit, urging high-level participation to promote international climate cooperation.