Staff of the Directorate of Climate Change convened in Ankara for the Long-Term Climate Strategy Capacity-Building Workshop.

19 March 2025

Staff of the Directorate of Climate Change convened in Ankara for the Long-Term Climate Strategy Capacity-Building Workshop.

Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Fatma Varank and Director of Climate Change Prof. Halil Hasar attended the workshop, during which directorate units briefed participants on their areas of responsibility and ongoing activities.
In her remarks, Deputy Minister Varank said she was pleased to meet with directorate staff, noted that the Directorate of Climate Change operates across a wide range of policy areas, and emphasized that the dedication of its personnel, who manage this demanding workload with discipline, deserves particular recognition.

Varank highlighted the importance of representing Türkiye and the Ministry in international negotiations and added that working alongside directorate staff carries special significance in her role as Deputy Minister responsible for climate change.
She noted that sustained effort and determination will continue to serve Türkiye’s future.

Speaking at the workshop where the Directorate's climate strategy was discussed and an in-house capacity-building training was held, Climate Change Director Hasar emphasized the importance of the work carried out by the Climate Change Directorate, noting that they bear a responsibility toward nature and future generations. Referring to wars and acts of genocide that now threaten the future of humanity, Hasar also reminded participants that the climate crisis, which endangers the world alongside these destructions, stands directly before us.

Indicating that the world is going through a period in which the impacts of the climate crisis are becoming increasingly pronounced, Director of Climate Change Hasar made the following remarks:

“We are members of a civilization that holds itself responsible for humanity and the world and regards them as a trust bestowed by Allah.”

Some societies and countries, driven by excessive consumption, turn a blind eye to this danger threatening our world. We, on the other hand, are members of a civilization that holds itself responsible for humanity and the world and regards them as a trust bestowed by Allah. Türkiye’s stance in the face of a climate crisis for which it bears no responsibility will be remembered throughout history as an honorable position. We are not only obliged to develop policies and projects; we must also raise public awareness, guide decision-makers responsibly, and use our resources in the most effective way. The rapidly changing climate driven by human activity threatens not only our country and environment, but also our economy, our health, and the lives of future generations. Yet through conscious and determined steps, we are working to minimize these risks.Each of us bears a profound responsibility toward nature and future generations. This is why; we act with a constant awareness of the long-term consequences of every step we take.”
The workshop concluded after directorate units delivered their presentations.