09.11.2026 09:55
The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change begins today in Antalya. The conference, which will be attended by representatives from approximately 200 countries and will last until November 20, will be officially opened with a speech by Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum. On the first day, food security, agriculture, water efficiency, and the effects of climate change on health will be addressed.
Antalya is hosting COP31, where the global climate agenda will be determined. Many topics will be negotiated at the conference, including combating climate change, reducing emissions, adaptation policies, and climate finance.
OPENING SPEECH BY MINISTER KURUM
The official opening plenary of COP31 will be held at 10:00 in the Anatolian General Assembly Hall in the EXPO area. Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum will deliver the opening speech at the plenary.
FIRST DAY'S THEME: FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND HEALTH
The first day of the conference is dedicated to the theme “Food, Agriculture and Health.” Throughout the day, the resilience of agricultural and food systems against climate change, efficient use of water resources, and the effects of the climate crisis on public health will be assessed in various sessions.
At the Türkiye Pavilion, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will address international cooperation in climate-resilient food security.
CIVIL SOCIETY CALLS FOR FOSSIL FUEL PHASE-OUT
At the event to be held at 11:00 at the Australia Pavilion in the Blue Zone, civil society organizations from Türkiye and Australia will voice their demands for moving away from fossil fuels. In the session, where civil society representatives from Türkiye, the host of COP31, and Australia, which chairs the negotiations, will come together, the responsibilities that the two countries should assume in the fossil fuel phase-out process are expected to be discussed.
Other events of the day will discuss just energy transition, climate finance, transformation of electricity grids, and states' obligations under international climate law.
LEADERS' SUMMIT TO BEGIN ON NOVEMBER 11
The Antalya Leaders Summit, to be held with the participation of heads of state and government within the scope of COP31, will take place on November 11-12. At the summit, hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, world leaders are expected to share their priorities and commitments regarding the fight against climate change.
The messages to be given at the summit are expected to guide negotiations, particularly on reducing emissions, adaptation to climate change, and financing to be provided to developing countries. The COP31 negotiations, which will last two weeks, are planned to be completed on November 20.