Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and President of COP31, has emphasized that the upcoming global climate summit will focus on turning commitments into real-world action, describing it as the “COP of Implementation.”
Speaking at a joint press conference in Istanbul with Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Kurum highlighted that energy security and climate goals will be treated as complementary priorities rather than competing agendas.
He stressed that while global dialogue on climate issues continues, a significant gap remains between decisions and their execution. “The ultimate measure of success for COP31 must be the translation of decisions into action on the ground,” Kurum said, underscoring the need for practical implementation.
Three Pillars: Dialogue, Consensus, Action
Kurum outlined that Türkiye’s COP31 presidency will be guided by three core pillars—dialogue, consensus, and action—aimed at building trust, fostering shared responsibility, and ensuring measurable outcomes.
He noted that the summit would promote renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency, and realistic transition pathways that consider national circumstances, while maintaining momentum toward the global 1.5°C climate target.
Five Key Energy Priorities
Türkiye has identified five major priorities for COP31:
• Accelerating clean energy transition and expanding energy access
• Reducing methane emissions and promoting zero-waste practices
• Developing climate-resilient cities and infrastructure
• Establishing effective climate action implementation mechanisms
• Advancing green industrialization in the energy sector
Kurum highlighted that around 730 million people globally still lack access to electricity, framing energy transition as both a development and justice issue.
IEA Backs Türkiye’s Leadership
IEA chief Birol described Türkiye’s leadership of COP31 as a “vital opportunity” for the global community, noting that climate change has recently slipped down the international agenda amid geopolitical challenges.
He reaffirmed the IEA’s full support for Türkiye throughout the COP process, pledging expertise from the agency’s global network of energy and climate specialists to ensure a successful summit.
Focus on Actionable Outcomes
Kurum concluded by stating that the world is no longer satisfied with new targets alone but is demanding concrete solutions. He expressed confidence that COP31, to be hosted in Antalya, would mark a turning point in global climate diplomacy by strengthening trust, cooperation, and implementation.
The joint briefing signals a renewed push to align international climate commitments with tangible progress, as global energy systems face increasing pressure from both environmental and geopolitical challenges.
Kurum Sends First Official Letter to UN, Member States
Murat Kurum, in his capacity as President-Designate of COP31, has sent his first official letter to the UNFCCC Secretariat and member states, outlining Türkiye’s vision for the upcoming global climate summit and announcing key leadership appointments.
In the letter, Kurum emphasized that Türkiye’s presidency will pursue a “COP of Implementation” approach, focusing on translating climate commitments into tangible, measurable results. He stressed that accelerating global climate action will require stronger international cooperation, innovative partnerships, and a renewed commitment to multilateralism.
Antalya Preparations and Key Dates
Kurum confirmed that preparations to host COP31 in Antalya from November 9–20, 2026, are progressing steadily. He also announced that the Pre-COP meeting will be held in Tuvalu from October 5–8, 2026.
He noted that the Antalya summit must serve as a platform where “words are translated into concrete results,” inviting global leaders to participate in a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility.
Leadership Appointments Announced
The COP31 President-Designate outlined a comprehensive leadership structure for the presidency:
• Samed Ağırbaş appointed as High-Level Climate Champion
• Sally Higgins named Youth Climate Champion, in collaboration with Chris Bowen
• Fatma Varank designated as COP31 CEO
• Ömer Bulut to oversee infrastructure
• Burak Demiralp to manage operations and logistics
• Halil Hasar appointed Chief Climate Diplomacy Officer
• Mehmet Ali Kahraman to coordinate presidency activities
Kurum also confirmed that Chris Bowen will serve as COP31 President of Negotiations, leading the negotiation process in coordination with Türkiye.
Strategic Priorities and Themes
Kurum highlighted key priorities under Türkiye’s COP31 Action Agenda, including:
• Accelerating clean energy transition
• Strengthening zero-waste and circular economy initiatives
• Promoting green industrialization
• Enhancing climate resilience in cities and vulnerable regions
• Supporting sustainable agriculture and food security
• Expanding climate finance and institutional capacity
• Increasing youth participation and cross-sector collaboration
He emphasized that climate action must align with sustainable development goals, particularly for vulnerable regions.
A New Model for Climate Diplomacy
Kurum highlighted a new “Troika” cooperation model involving Türkiye, Australia, and previous COP presidencies, aimed at strengthening coordination across regions, particularly linking the Mediterranean and Pacific.
He also underscored Türkiye’s ambition to deliver an inclusive, action-oriented COP31 that engages governments, the private sector, civil society, and youth.
With preparations underway and diplomatic engagement intensifying, Türkiye aims to position COP31 as a turning point in global climate governance—focused not just on ambition, but on real-world delivery.
Directorate of Climate Change Represents Türkiye in Vienna
The Directorate of Climate Change represented Türkiye at the Sustainable Cooling Forum hosted by the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Vienna. Deputy Director of Climate Change Mehrali Ecer attended the meeting, where Türkiye’s sustainable cooling policies and climate targets were presented to the international community. Designed to develop low-emission and sustainable solutions for the rising global cooling demand, the forum brought together over 200 representatives from more than 100 countries.
Türkiye’s Success Highlighted during Panel Session
In a session centered on the expansion of sustainable cooling technologies and supporting nations in fulfilling their obligations under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, Deputy Director Ecer outlined Türkiye’s policy framework and ongoing field operations. In his panel remarks, Deputy Director Ecer drew attention to the significant momentum Türkiye has achieved in phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons. He further emphasized the initiatives carried out under the Montreal Protocol, the projects supported by the Multilateral Fund, and the robust inter-agency coordination mechanisms, which play a vital role in reaching climate goals.
Key Diplomatic Engagements by the Turkish Delegation
Conducting high-level meetings throughout the two-day program in Vienna, Deputy Director Ecer shared the latest updates regarding the preparations for COP31, to be hosted by Türkiye.
The diplomatic momentum continued within the forum through a series of bilateral meetings. The Turkish delegation met with Alois Mhlanga, Director of UNIDO’s Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol Division, and UNIDO official Yunrui Zhou. The parties exchanged views on potential side events for COP31 and strategic steps to bolster international cooperation.
As part of the program, Deputy Director Mehrali Ecer and the accompanying delegation visited Ambassador Mustafa Kibaroğlu, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Türkiye to the United Nations in Vienna. The meeting served as a platform to share information on the international initiatives led by the Directorate of Climate Change, while evaluating future cooperation opportunities and strategic milestones.
Deputy Director of Climate Change Ecer was accompanied by Volkan Polat, Head of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Monitoring Department, and Dr. Ali Oğuzhan Narcı.
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