Türkiye outlines preparations, priorities for UN Climate Change Conference in Antalya

Türkiye on Friday outlined organizational and logistical preparations for the UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP31, which will be held in the southern Turkish city of Antalya on Nov. 9-20.

Speaking at a briefing on preparations for the global climate summit, Burak Demiralp, Türkiye's deputy environment, urbanization and climate change minister, said the COP31 presidency is being guided by three principles: dialogue, consensus and action.

“Since we assumed the COP31 presidency, we have been working under the leadership of the COP31 president-designate, Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum,” he said.

He said Türkiye has completed detailed planning for participants' journey from their arrival in Antalya until their departure, with arrangements focused on safety, comfort and accessibility.

“Our aim is to serve you with Turkish hospitality while ensuring access to services,” Demiralp said, adding that the preparations are intended to allow participants to focus their time and energy on negotiations.

The COP31 presidency also expects strong interest and high-level participation from the international media. Demiralp said transportation arrangements are being made to ensure journalists can travel easily between accommodations and the COP31 venue.

10 priorities for climate action

Demiralp said Türkiye has identified 10 priority areas under the conference’s action agenda, developed with contributions from parties and stakeholders.

The priorities are zero waste, oceans and seas, food security, climate-resilient cities, a climate action implementation bridge, youth and education, green industrialization, clean energy transition and electrification, real synergy and dynamic and resilient health systems.

“These 10 items will form the backbone of the negotiation agenda and will enable us to focus on the key elements of green transformation,” he said.

The agenda is intended to address a broad range of climate-related issues, from clean energy and industrial transformation to food security, urban resilience, environmental protection, education and health.

Leaders' summit set for Nov. 11-12

Deputy Foreign Minister Berris Ekinci said the COP31 leaders' summit will take place on Nov. 11-12, during the first week of the main conference.

The summit is expected to bring together heads of state and government to raise political ambition on climate action, announce concrete and implementable commitments, launch key initiatives and provide momentum for negotiations throughout COP31.

Ekinci said leaders are expected to be welcomed upon their arrival by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Following the opening ceremony, Erdogan, Guterres and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese are expected to deliver remarks.

The first day of the leaders' summit will conclude with a gala dinner hosted by Erdogan and first lady Emine Erdogan, the leader of a landmark international zero-waste initiative, for heads of state and government.

The summit will form a key part of Türkiye's COP31 presidency as countries seek to advance negotiations and translate climate commitments into concrete action.

"We are making every effort to ensure that the COP31 leaders' summit will add another success to Türkiye's strong record of hosting major international events," said Ekinci, adding that Ankara hopes the summit will provide "strong political momentum" for action against climate change.