11.11.2026 12:14
Within the scope of COP31 held in Antalya, famous figures from the art and sports world called on world leaders to take concrete steps in the fight against the climate crisis. The celebrities drew attention to the importance of children's future, the protection of seas and forests, and the implementation of the decisions taken.
In Antalya, famous names from the worlds of art and sports who came together within the scope of the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP31) called on world leaders to take concrete steps in the fight against the climate crisis. Meryem Uzerli, Tuba Büyüküstün, Demet Şener, Bülent İnal, Şahika Ercümen, Ceyda Ateş, Serkan Altunorak and Ava Yaman emphasized that promises made to leave a livable world for future generations must be fulfilled.
Within the scope of the World Leaders Summit on November 11-12 of COP31, held in Antalya between November 9-20, well-known names from the art, television and sports world also attended the summit. At the organization where heads of state and government from different countries of the world met to discuss the fight against the climate crisis, famous names drew attention to environmental problems and gave a joint message. Artists and athletes pointed to the importance of especially children's future, the protection of seas and forests, the effects of natural disasters, and the implementation of decisions taken.
'WE MUST ACT URGENTLY'
Actress Meryem Uzerli, touching on the importance of the organization in Turkey, said, “It is a great source of pride that Turkey is currently the host. Many world leaders are here. Being part of this is also a source of pride for us. Climate change is a very important issue. We are here both as a mother and for future generations. We have now reached a very urgent point for our children, our children's children and ourselves. Therefore, being here, showing interest, raising awareness and giving support is very important.”
'MAKING DECISIONS IS NOT ENOUGH'
Actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Tuba Büyüküstün, drawing attention to the effects of the climate crisis especially on children, said, “This is now an urgent issue. As Meryem also said, we now need to move to implementation for our children, our children's children and future generations. Making decisions alone is not enough. Recently, floods, fires and many events are happening all over the world. Children are the most affected by these. Moreover, they are the most innocent in this matter. We are offering them such a world. That is why we need to take responsibility and act as soon as possible.”
'NOT A PROBLEM OF THE FUTURE, BUT OF TODAY'
Demet Şener, emphasizing that climate change is no longer a danger to be faced in the future, said, “This is no longer a problem of the future, but of today. Therefore, we also need to take action as soon as possible. I believe that very good decisions will come out of here. There has not been an organization where so many state officials have been together for a long time. We are experiencing great pride as Turkey. We have to protect our future. We are obliged to leave a livable world to other generations. I hope good results will emerge.”
'PROMISES MUST BE KEPT'
Actor Bülent İnal, pointing to the importance of fulfilling the commitments made at the summit, said, “Everyone is trying to do something for the world, to take action. What matters is the fulfillment of the decisions taken and the promises made. This organization is also a suitable environment to check these. We have also come here to raise awareness and make a statement. I hope good days will come for the world.”
'LET THE PLANET BREATHE'
National athlete and free diving world record holder Şahika Ercümen, drawing attention to the pollution she encounters in the seas, said, “As a national athlete who spends her life in the seas, unfortunately I encounter a lot of waste every day. 70 percent of the world is water. The gathering of many countries in Turkey, in Antalya, is a great opportunity for us. We can give very important messages from here. It also contributes greatly to the promotion of our country, but my greatest hope is that the negotiations and talks held here turn into concrete action and sanctions so that the planet can breathe. We started hopefully.”
'LET ANTALYA BE A TURNING POINT'
Actor Barış Arduç, stating that Turkey's hosting COP31 is a great pride and responsibility, said, “In this period when the climate issue is now giving a red alert, this is an important summit where, after the Paris Climate Summit, action and taking action will be discussed rather than words. Therefore, it is very important for all of us that both Antalya and our country be remembered as a milestone of this action. It is important for the world and for us. I am proud, I am very happy to be here.”
'FOR OUR CHILDREN'
Arduç, who explained that his awareness increased thanks to the documentary they prepared on climate change and Zero Waste, said, “During this climate summit process, while thinking about how we could support, we made a documentary together within the scope of Fırat's project. Therefore, during the shooting of that documentary, I faced this situation more often. We all have ongoing, deep-rooted habits. But with this confrontation, as you talk to experts and professionals, you can understand how we need to take seriously the issues we did not take seriously. I also have a child, only 4 years old. Of course, children motivate us more for this. I am also trying to make an effort to leave them tomorrows with beautiful nature. As much as I can, I am now trying harder to produce zero waste and to take whatever steps are needed to make the world a more beautiful place.”
'NATURE CAN DO WITHOUT US'
Actress Ceyda Ateş, stating that everyone must take responsibility for protecting nature, said, “Actually, we need to take action rather than talk. First of all, we must protect our forests, seas and water resources. Nature can do without us, but we cannot do without nature. Therefore, we must leave a spotless world to the generations after us. We must also consciously explain to them how they should protect this world. We artists can also set an example and instill this awareness in people. I am also proud to be in such an important organization on behalf of our country.”
'THE PLANET IS ENTRUSTED TO US'
Actor Serkan Altunorak, stating that the climate crisis is the common problem of all humanity, said, “I am very happy to be invited to such an important summit. It is a very important organization for both our country and the world. The climate is everyone's problem. This planet is not an inheritance to us, but an entrustment. The seas, oceans, food, animal rights, in short, all of life concerns all of us. This life is all of ours. I think we all need to do our part. We really need to become conscious about this.”
'I AM HERE AT 19'
Young actress Ava Yaman, on the other hand, describing her love for nature, said, “Seeing such a large crowd gathered for nature is a wonderful thing for me. Those who know me may know, nature is everything to me. Nature is really very important to me. So many people rarely come together. I see being here at 19 as a great chance. That is why I am very happy.”