Türkiye Secures Key Agreement to Host COP31 Climate Conference in November
Ingrid Solberg | AFP
Türkiye signed the host country agreement for COP31, solidifying plans for the UN climate conference to convene in Antalya this November.
Türkiye has officially cemented its role as the host of COP31, the United Nations' landmark climate change conference, by signing the host country agreement on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The agreement was finalized during the Bonn Climate Change Conference, where Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister and president of COP31, signed the protocol alongside Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
During the signing ceremony, Kurum emphasized the importance of Türkiye’s collaborative relationship with the UN, stating that the nation’s cooperation with the UN secretariat 'would continue to grow' in preparation for the conference. Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, in a statement shared on the local platform NSosyal, reiterated its commitment to organizing the summit effectively.
Antalya: The Heart of COP31 in November
The COP31 conference is scheduled to take place from November 9 to November 20, 2026, in Antalya, a scenic city in southern Türkiye. This pivotal event will gather delegates, environmental leaders, and negotiators from hundreds of countries to address some of the most pressing global climate challenges.
In preparation for the event, Minister Kurum met with representatives from key regional blocs during his visit to Bonn. These included the African Group of Negotiators, the Alliance of Small Island States, the Umbrella Group of 11 countries, the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Arab Group. Each group conveyed their expectations and priorities for the upcoming conference, where global agreements on climate mitigation and adaptation are expected to take center stage.
Building International Consensus Ahead of COP31
Minister Kurum’s talks in Bonn also featured bilateral discussions with German officials, including Jochen Flasbarth, Germany’s state secretary at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. Kurum emphasized that Türkiye is striving for an inclusive process in which, as he stated, 'no one is left behind.'
The Bonn conference served as a preparatory platform for COP31, enabling Türkiye to consult with a diverse array of stakeholders while showcasing its logistical and diplomatic readiness for hosting the event. Kurum highlighted Türkiye’s proactive efforts to ensure that this year's climate summit fosters actionable commitments from nations worldwide.
Shaping Global Climate Strategy from the City of Antalya
Antalya, as the host city for COP31, will see substantial international attention, positioning itself as a critical venue for climate diplomacy. The choice of Antalya also underscores Türkiye’s ambitions to play a leading role in global climate action. For city leaders, including mayors and municipal officials, the lessons from the conference may drive enhanced climate strategies locally and globally.
The conference's influence extends beyond national governments. Cities around the world often implement the on-the-ground policies required to meet global climate targets, such as emissions reductions and shifts toward renewable energy. As COP31 unfolds, it will highlight the essential role municipalities have in addressing challenges like urban heat, rising sea levels, and disaster preparedness. For Antalya itself, the event stands not only as a diplomatic opportunity but as a chance to act as an example for sustainable urban development.
Questions That Matter
What agreement did Türkiye sign regarding COP31?
Türkiye signed the COP31 host country agreement on June 9, 2026, during the Bonn Climate Change Conference. The agreement was signed by Türkiye's Minister Murat Kurum and UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell.
When?
COP31 will take place from November 9-20, 2026, in Antalya, southern Türkiye. The event is expected to bring together diverse regional groups and stakeholders from around the world.