The ‘COP31 Business Forum’ was hosted by TOBB as part of London Climate Action Week.
22 June 2026
The ‘COP31 Business Forum’ was hosted by TOBB as part of London Climate Action Week. Speaking at the forum, Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and COP31 President-Designate, stated, “COP is the forum where agreements will be forged and partnerships will be built to drive progress for humanity.”
In this trajectory extending from London to Antalya, our objective remains clear: to translate climate targets into investments, technology into implementation, finance into projects on the ground, and our collective political will into concrete outcomes. Reflecting on the transition to a circular economy, Minister Kurum noted, “The circular economy is essential, and those driving this transformation will make a difference. While there are undeniable challenges, there is also immense opportunity. Those who capitalize on this opportunity on the global stage will position themselves one step ahead. Ultimately, they will capture a far greater share of global production. Seen through this lens, companies pioneering climate action recognize this as an opportunity.”
The COP31 Business Forum, also attended by Director of Climate Change Prof. Dr. Halil Hasar, brought together TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, AK Party Istanbul MP and Deputy Chair Nilhan Ayan, AK Party Diyarbakır MP and Chair of the GNAT Environment Committee Galip Ensarioğlu, CHP Elazığ MP and GNAT Environment Committee Member Gürsel Erol, alongside other committee members.
“THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IS ESSENTIAL; THOSE DRIVING THIS TRANSFORMATION WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE”
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Kurum highlighted that traditional COP processes focus on setting targets and reaching consensus on rules and norms. Pointing out that the new phase now requires the implementation of these decisions on the ground, Minister Kurum said, “In this new phase, we will measure progress not by what has been agreed upon, but by what is actually delivered. Our expectations from the private sector are high. In fact, as we always say, the circular economy is essential, and those driving this transformation will make a difference. While there are undeniable challenges, there is also immense opportunity. Those who capitalize on this opportunity on the global stage will position themselves one step ahead. Ultimately, they will capture a far greater share of global production. Seen through this lens, companies pioneering climate action recognize this as an opportunity.”
“WE ARE PLEASED TO HAVE DESIGNATED TOBB AS THE COP31 BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE”
Highlighting that TOBB serves as the official representative of the global business community in the COP31 process, Minister Kurum stated, “At COP31, we want the private sector to be strongly and deeply involved in the COP process this year. That is why we have designated TOBB as the COP31 Business Representative and entrusted them with this mandate. We are immensely pleased with this arrangement. TOBB will play a vital role in fostering the continuous and meaningful engagement of the business community throughout the COP31 process.”
“THE ERA OF MASSIVE, UNFULFILLED COMMITMENTS IS NOW BEHIND US”
Minister Kurum outlined the COP31 Presidency’s expectations from the corporate sector, noting, “First, we invite you to join us in entering the era of implementation. The era of massive, unfulfilled commitments is now behind us. What we envision is convening in Antalya not just with pledges, but with concrete investment plans. We find it incredibly valuable for you to work alongside your governments to realize national climate plans. These plans are the building blocks of the Paris Agreement; however, it is impossible for them to become reality without the active engagement of the business community. Therefore, your active participation is highly valuable to us in this process. Secondly, COP31 will be a vital gathering where the Global Climate Action Agenda becomes fully operational.”
“WE ARE MANAGING THE COP PRESIDENCY ON BEHALF OF 196 COUNTRIES”
Noting that 30 activation groups have been established across 6 thematic areas under the COP31 Action Agenda, Minister Kurum stated that these groups will work on concrete proposals and projects leading up to Antalya. Inviting the business world to take an active role in these groups and priorities, Minister Kurum said, “Given your position, you represent major organizations with significant authority and a vast sphere of influence in shaping finance, production, and industry.
Therefore, we can only achieve this transformation by working together with you. As Türkiye, we stand here fully committed. We are managing the COP Presidency not just on behalf of Türkiye, but on behalf of 196 countries. We are dedicated to delivering an impartial, equitable, and reassuring presidency, and we strive to evaluate the needs and priorities of every country within this framework.”
“AS TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES, COSTS DECLINE AND THE SHARE OF CLEAN ENERGY RISES”
Stating that electrification is one of the pivotal pillars of the energy transition, Minister Kurum noted, “With this vision in mind, our Presidency has set a target of 35% electrification by 2035. This target will channel investments and efforts into scaling up electrification across transportation, buildings, and industry. If you look back just 5 years ago, which is not that far, a 1-megawatt renewable energy investment exceeded 1 million dollars. When you look at it today, that figure has dropped to around 400,000 to 450,000 dollars. In other words, as technology advances, costs decline and the share of renewable energy grows. That means the share of what we call clean energy is rising.”
“IF YOU HAVE PROJECTS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE PLANET, LET US DEVELOP THEM IN ANTALYA”
Elaborating on key initiatives within the COP31 Action Agenda priorities—such as the Climate Implementation Bridge, Awareness Across All Sectors, Zero Waste, and Methane Reduction—Minister Kurum extended a call to the business community, stating, “These are just a few of the priorities we have put forward this year. These priorities will unite governments, the business community, and civil society around critical areas where progress must be achieved. What we want is to wage this battle together. If you have projects and plans regarding the future of the planet, come to Antalya and let us develop them there together. Rest assured that we will leverage the convening power of COP to amplify cooperation, making your progress visible, providing a platform to discuss your plans, and helping you forge new partnerships. This is because COP is the forum where agreements will be forged and partnerships will be built to drive progress for humanity. In this trajectory extending from London to Antalya, our objective remains clear: to translate climate targets into investments, technology into implementation, finance into projects on the ground, and our collective political will into concrete outcomes.”
