Prof. Halil Hasar, Director of Climate Change, participated in the 5th Istanbul International Water Forum, held under the theme “Strengthening Water Resilience: Innovation to Action.”
Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the forum is regarded as one of Türkiye’s leading international platforms on sustainable water governance.
The event brought together ministerial delegations, policymakers, and representatives from major international organizations, including the United Nations, OECD, OIC, and the World Bank.
Addressing the opening session, Director Hasar emphasized that water has become the most visible and immediate manifestation of the global climate crisis.
He noted that COP31, which Türkiye will host this November, represents a historic opportunity to accelerate implementation-oriented climate action.
Highlighting the intensifying impacts of climate change, Hasar stated that 2024 has officially become the hottest year on record, while disruptions in the hydrological cycle are increasing the frequency and severity of droughts and extreme weather events.
Referring to UN findings, he underlined that nearly 40 percent of the global population currently lives in water-stressed regions, placing more than 700 million people at severe risk of water scarcity.
“Water should no longer be viewed solely as a natural resource,” Hasar said. “It must be recognized as a strategic priority for global resilience, security, and sustainable development.”
In his remarks, Hasar described COP31 as the “COP of Implementation,” emphasizing that the summit will focus on transforming commitments into measurable outcomes.
He stated that Türkiye aims to position COP31 as a bridge-building platform that strengthens trust, deepens international partnerships, and delivers practical solutions across sectors.
He further stressed that adaptation efforts worldwide remain insufficient due to financing gaps, limited implementation capacity, and disconnects between policy frameworks and realities on the ground.
According to Hasar, COP31 must become the turning point that moves the international community “from commitment to implementation, and from rhetoric to action.”
The outcomes of the Istanbul International Water Forum are expected to contribute to the upcoming UN Water Conference later this year, as well as the 11th World Water Forum and the 20th IWRA World Water Congress, both scheduled to take place in Istanbul in 2027.
Türkiye Emphasizes Inclusive Climate Finance in Meeting with Loss and Damage Fund Officials
EP Desk
Prof. Halil Hasar, Director of Climate Change, met with Mathilde Laurans, Deputy Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, and Program Manager Jihyea Kim at the Directorate of Climate Change.
The meeting focused on strategic discussions regarding the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, one of the most significant climate finance mechanisms established to support countries facing the adverse impacts of climate change.
Discussions also addressed improving access to climate finance and strengthening implementation processes ahead of COP31.
Welcoming the delegation, Director Hasar emphasized that COP31 will represent a critical milestone in advancing the Fund from institutional design to practical implementation on the ground.
Describing the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund as a historic achievement of the multilateral climate process, Hasar noted that the consensus reached during the opening day of COP28 played a vital role in building confidence among parties.
“The Fund is one of the most important instruments for strengthening international solidarity with countries confronting the destructive impacts of climate change,” he stated.
Director Hasar further stressed that one of the core challenges in climate finance remains the timely and effective access to resources. He underlined that the long-term success of the Fund depends on the availability of adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing mechanisms.
“Under Türkiye’s COP31 Presidency vision, we are committed to supporting a transparent, rapid, and fit-for-purpose access framework for the Fund,” Hasar said.
“We aim to ensure that COP31 delivers tangible outcomes for those most in need.”
He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s constructive and inclusive engagement throughout the Bonn climate negotiations, the Pre-COP process, and the Fund’s Board discussions.
Referring to the devastating February 6 earthquakes in Türkiye, described nationally as the “Disaster of the Century,” Hasar highlighted the universal nature of climate-related and disaster risks.
Global Leaders Gather in Colombia for Landmark Conference on Fossil Fuel Transition
EP Desk
The “First International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels” convened in Santa Marta, Colombia, bringing together global leaders and stakeholders to advance international cooperation on climate action and energy transition.
Co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, the conference was attended by representatives from 57 countries, along with delegates from local governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and academia.
Representing Türkiye at the event, Mehrali Ecer, Deputy Director of Climate Change, participated in the high-level segment alongside an accompanying delegation.
Addressing the opening session, Ecer emphasized that Türkiye will guide its COP31 Presidency under the core principles of “dialogue, consensus, and action.”
He further highlighted that COP31 would prioritize implementation-driven outcomes, focusing on transforming high-level climate commitments into concrete and measurable actions.
Throughout the conference, thematic sessions addressed key issues including energy security, the gradual phase-down of fossil fuel production, economic transformation, and strengthening international cooperation in support of a just energy transition.
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