October 28, 2026 –
As the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, Turkey is preparing to host COP31—one of the largest events in the history of climate diplomacy and international gatherings. At the summit, to be held in Antalya from November 9–20, Turkey will emphasize that it is “time for action, not just words.”
MELTEM GÜNEŞ / Climate change is one of the most critical global crises of our time; it knows no borders and affects all nations, regardless of their level of development. The adverse impacts of climate change—which directly hinder sustainable development—are intensifying both in Turkey and across the globe. These include rising temperatures, droughts, floods, forest fires, the loss of biodiversity, an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, food insecurity, and growing health risks.
While the world seeks solutions to the problems created by climate change, Turkey is preparing to host one of the largest events in the history of climate diplomacy and international organization. The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, taking place in Antalya from November 9–20, is expected to draw over a million visitors. Furthermore, the Leaders’ Summit—a key component of the event—is set to host nearly 100 heads of state and approximately 300 ministers on November 11–12.
WHAT IS COP?
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the highest-level global climate summit, held annually under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was adopted in 1992. Bringing together heads of state and government, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society representatives from across the globe, COP serves as the primary platform for negotiating and advancing collective action to combat climate change. At these conferences, the Parties (governments) assess global efforts toward achieving the core objective of the Paris Agreement: limiting global warming to as close as possible to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
The Parties make decisions on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes addressing “Loss and Damage”—funding for vulnerable nations severely affected by floods, droughts, and other climate-related disasters—as well as establishing mechanisms (such as finance, technology, and capacity building) to help countries transition to greener economies and build resilience against climate change. The first COP was held in 1995 in Berlin, Germany. COP31, which will be hosted by Turkey, marks the 31st session of this global process.
COP31: STEP BY STEP
COPs play a vital role in the fight against climate change. These meetings, where governments come together to assess progress and negotiate the best ways to combat climate change—while taking each other’s specific circumstances into account—provide an opportunity to draw attention to the threat of climate change. They also serve as a platform to heighten awareness of this threat, while underscoring the fact that the world cannot effectively address the climate crisis without the participation of the private sector, civil society, industry, and individuals.
1992: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, laying the foundations for international climate cooperation.
1995: The first Conference of the Parties (COP) convened, initiating intergovernmental negotiations within the framework of the Convention.
1997: The Kyoto Protocol was adopted, establishing legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries.
2009: Climate change was discussed at the highest political level in Copenhagen.
2015: The Paris Agreement was adopted, with all parties agreeing to keep the global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
2023: The parties agreed to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems and to accelerate the global energy transition.
2024: In Baku, the parties focused on setting a new collective quantified climate finance goal, building upon the previous $100 billion commitment.
2026: COP31 will convene with a focus on advancing implementation, strengthening cooperation, and accelerating the delivery of results in the areas of finance, technology, and resilience.
PROGRESS TOWARD THE ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE
One of the core functions of the COP is to examine the national communications and greenhouse gas inventories submitted by the parties. The COP evaluates the impact of measures taken by countries, progress toward the ultimate objective of the Convention, and the strengthening of climate ambition and implementation.
TÜRKİYE’S HOSTING PROCESS
Turkey’s bid to host is linked to its unique geographical position—bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—as well as its growing commitments to renewable energy and a circular economy. During COP30, held last year in Belém, Brazil, intense negotiations took place between Turkey and Australia, both of which were vying to host COP31. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan exchanged letters, yet neither nation withdrew its candidacy. Murat Kurum, Turkey’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, indicated that Turkey was open to the possibility of co-hosting COP31 with Australia.
AUSTRALIA WITHDRAWS
The ongoing negotiations between Turkey and Australia concluded on November 20 with Australia’s withdrawal from the race. Consequently, Turkey became both the host and the presidency of COP31. Under the agreement reached between the two nations, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, was appointed as “President of Negotiations” to oversee the proceedings in Turkey. Through a presidential circular published in the Official Gazette, Murat Kurum was designated as the President of COP31. Additionally, the Australian representative, Chris Bowen, serves as the Vice-President of COP31. As the host nation, Turkey has assumed full responsibility for all logistics and operational aspects of COP31. Turkey and Australia continue to manage the process through ongoing consultation; in the event of any disagreement, consultations persist until a consensus is reached.
THE HEART OF THE SUMMIT WILL BEAT AT EXPO
COP31 is expected to bring together approximately 197 countries. With over a million visitors anticipated, the sessions of this massive event will be held in the ‘blue’ and ‘green’ zones established at the Antalya EXPO Exhibition Center. The blue zone will serve as the official negotiation area, managed under the authority of the United Nations. The green zone, coordinated by Turkey, will be a more inclusive space dedicated to showcasing climate solutions, innovative projects, social initiatives, and awareness-raising efforts. A World Leaders Summit will also take place as part of the conference on November 11–12. Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum stated, “COP31 will generate approximately $2 billion in direct economic activity in Antalya. Furthermore, we expect the total added value—including the multiplier effect—to reach $3–4 billion.”
TIME FOR ACTION, NOT WORDS
Drawing inspiration from the heritage of a land where civilization first began, Turkey calls for a fair, sustainable, and collaborative global climate future.
A TURNING POINT FOR THE PLANET
As the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, Turkey is preparing to host COP31—one of the largest events in the history of climate diplomacy and international gatherings. At the summit, to be held in Antalya from November 9 to 20, Türkiye will emphasize that it is “time for action, not words.”
WHICH THEMES WILL BE PRIORITIZED?
Türkiye, which will steer the COP31 process through ‘dialogue, consensus, and action,’ has identified several priority themes: Zero Waste, Oceans and Seas, Food Security, Climate-Resilient Cities, Strengthening Climate Action, Youth and Education, Green Industrialization, Clean Energy Transition, Rio Synergy, and Dynamic and Resilient Health Systems.
Source: https://www.milliyet.com.tr/ekonomi/adim-adim-cop31-dunyanin-gozu-turkiyede-7688947
