October 24, 2026
The Water Policy Association (SPD) will participate in the 31st UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP31)—to be held in Antalya from November 9–20, 2026—with the status of an “Observer Organization” under the UNFCCC.
As the host of one of the world’s most significant international climate negotiations, Turkey will bring together government representatives, international organizations, scientists, private sector delegates, and civil society organizations in Antalya for COP31.
Included on the UNFCCC’s list of admitted NGOs, the Water Policy Association (SPD) aims to leverage its participation as an observer civil society organization to bring its work—focused on the impacts of climate change on water resources, water security, climate adaptation, and sustainable water management—to an international platform. Dursun Yıldız, President of the Water Policy Association, and Filiz Balta, the SPD’s COP31 Coordinator, will attend the conference.
SPD to Advocate for a Stronger Role for Water Security in Climate Negotiations
Highlighting that the effects of climate change are increasingly being felt through the water cycle, the SPD argues that water security must be elevated to a more central position within global climate policies. During COP31, the association will monitor international developments, specifically regarding water security, climate adaptation, water justice, transboundary water cooperation, and the water–energy–food–ecosystems nexus.
Furthermore, the SPD aims to foster international cooperation to prioritize the water sector within climate adaptation finance, ensure equitable access to water services, and mitigate water-related risks caused by climate change.
The climate crisis is also a water management crisis
Dursun Yıldız, President of the Hydropolitics Association (HPA), shared the following insights regarding participation in COP31:
“The impacts of the climate crisis manifest largely through water. Droughts, floods, water scarcity, and the loss of ecosystems are increasingly affecting broader segments of society. Yet, the strategic importance of water has not yet been sufficiently recognized within global climate policies. COP31 presents a significant opportunity to place water security at the heart of climate change adaptation policies.
Addressing the climate crisis cannot be reduced solely to the reduction of carbon emissions. There is a need for integrated, equitable, and actionable policies that account for the interdependencies between water, energy, food, and ecosystems.”
COP31 should serve as a vital opportunity for international cooperation
The Hydropolitics Association (HPA) views the conference in Antalya not merely as a platform for observing climate negotiations, but as a crucial opportunity to develop innovative policies and take concrete steps toward implementation in the realms of climate and water policy.
The Association places particular emphasis on initiatives that foster science-based water diplomacy and basin-scale cooperation—especially in regions highly vulnerable to climate change and water stress, such as the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Through its participation in COP31, the SPD aims to bring to the international agenda the perspective that water is not just a natural resource affected by climate change, but a fundamental pillar for climate adaptation, regional development, social well-being, and peace.
Hydropolitics Association (HPA)
October 24, 2026 – Ankara
