Climate Envoys convened for a training camp in Gaziantep as part of the COP31 preparations.

17 April 2026

Climate Envoys convened for a training camp in Gaziantep as part of the COP31 preparations. Organized by the Directorate of Climate Change, the camp provided training focused on increasing youth participation in the COP31 process and empowering young people to take active roles in the fight against climate change. Delivering the opening remarks for the two-day training camp, Deputy Director of Climate Change Orhan Solak noted that the event represents a strategic step aimed at transforming participants from observers of national and international processes into actors who think, produce, and contribute directly to the agenda.

Emphasizing the immense value of youth taking an active role in COP31, Deputy Director Solak stated, “We view you not merely as representatives of the future, but as the influential, guiding, and transformative power of today. At this point, your energy, courage, and will to generate solutions will be the strongest driving force of this struggle.”

Expressing his hope for COP31 to be remembered as a "COP of Youth," Deputy Director Solak remarked, “I believe the determination and sense of responsibility you carry will make you pioneers of this struggle. In this context, we wholeheartedly believe that through your ideas, energy, and stance, COP31 will be defined in minds as a youth-led summit.”

Solak noted that Türkiye approaches the COP31 process within a holistic framework based on "action, dialogue, and consensus," adding:

“Our COP31 vision is to mark the beginning of a period where words transform into action”

We recognize that combating climate change requires more than just setting targets, and that it can be achieved by taking concrete steps, fostering collective wisdom, and bringing diverse stakeholders together on common ground. On the road to COP31, our goal is not just to produce policies, but to create an ecosystem that shapes, adopts, and implements these policies together. Our COP31 vision is to mark the beginning of a period where words transform into action and commitments are backed by tangible results.

“Our expectation is for you to be the voice of youth at COP31 and to represent Türkiye in the best possible way”

Through the strong partnerships we will establish at both national and international levels, we aim to implement collective solutions more rapidly and effectively. Our goal is to strengthen multi-stakeholder climate governance by promoting the active participation of youth. In this context, the Climate Envoys Movement, launched by the Directorate of Climate Change in 2021, holds great significance. Today, we have become part of a powerful network that grows through dedicated effort, strengthens with knowledge, and evolves through solidarity. Each of you is not merely a representative of this movement, but a catalyst and a key architect of the future. Our expectation is for you to be the voice of youth at COP31 and to represent Türkiye in the best possible way during our hosting of the summit.

Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Fatma Şahin and UNICEF Deputy Representative to Türkiye Malti Gandhi joined provincial officials and academics for the event's kickoff.