The role that young people will play at COP31 was the central focus of the joint initiative organized by the Directorate of Climate Change and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

09 June 2026

The role that young people will play at COP31 was the central focus of the joint initiative organized by the Directorate of Climate Change and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

COP31 Youth Champion Sally Higgins has met with Climate Envoys in Türkiye. The role that young people will play at COP31 was the central focus of the joint initiative organized by the Directorate of Climate Change and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Held at the Istanbul Ataköy Youth Center, the event highlighted the driving role young people play in tackling the climate crisis, the vital importance of youth engagement in the COP31 process, and the steps required for building a sustainable future. The program provided a platform for youth and climate envoys to voice their perspectives, suggestions, and insights regarding the global climate agenda and the COP31 roadmap.

The meeting fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, once again underscoring that young people stand at the very heart of climate action. This momentum follows calls from COP31 President-Designate and Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, alongside Director of Climate Change Prof. Halil Hasar, for youth to take an active role at COP31, paving the way for their meaningful participation in climate diplomacy and ensuring they have a seat at the table on international platforms. Following the event, COP31 Youth Champion Sally Higgins joined the young participants for a commemorative photograph.