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26 December 2025

A Presidential Circular signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has appointed Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum as President of the 31st Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which Türkiye will be hosting in 2026. COP31 will take place in Antalya on 9–20 November 2026, and welcome delegations from 196 countries.

In a post shared on his social media account, Minister Kurum wrote, “I am honored to be appointed as COP President by decision of our Esteemed President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. By hosting COP31, Türkiye has risen to a position that shapes global climate politics.
It has become an actor that sets the direction in the fight against climate change.”

The Presidential Circular signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan entered into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette. Under the Circular, Minister Kurum will serve as COP President for the 31st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP31), the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP21), and the 8th Session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA8), all of which Türkiye will host and preside over in 2026.

ALL RELEVANT INSTITUTIONS TO WORK IN COORDINATION WITH THE MINISTRY

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change will coordinate all preparatory, organizational, and implementation processes for the Conference. Within this framework, all relevant institutions and organizations will conduct their work in coordination with the Ministry, in line with the guidance issued by the COP31 President. As COP31 President, Minister Kurum will assign the necessary authorities and responsibilities for conducting negotiations and organizing the Conference.

COP31 TO TAKE PLACE AT ANTALYA EXPO ON 9–20 NOVEMBER 2026

At the President’s instruction, the relevant institutions and organizations will plan and allocate the budget required for the preparation and delivery of the Conference. The Conference will take place at and around the EXPO area in Antalya from 9 to 20 November 2026.

MINISTER KURUM: “I AM HONORED”

In a post regarding the Circular, which was shared on his social media account, Minister Kurum wrote, “I am honored to be appointed as COP President by decision of our Esteemed President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. By hosting COP31, Türkiye has risen to a position that shapes global climate politics. It has become an actor that sets the direction in the fight against climate change. I believe that our country—together with its political leadership, bureaucracy, civil society, and our nation of 86 million—will use this historic opportunity for the benefit of vulnerable regions and our world. May our COP31 presidency bring good fortune to our country, our nation, and our world.”

WHAT IS COP31?

Hosting the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) represents a major milestone for Türkiye, both in terms of global visibility and in gaining a decisive position in climate diplomacy. The Conferences of the Parties is attended annually by 196 countries. It plays a vital role in charting the global response to the climate crisis, as the sessions focus on establishing targets for greenhouse gas reductions, adaptation policies, climate finance, loss and damage mechanisms, and the rules governing carbon markets. The implementation rules of the Paris Agreement are also shaped during these meetings.

TÜRKİYE’S PATH TO COP31 PRESIDENCY

Under the leadership of Minister Murat Kurum, Türkiye conducted shuttle diplomacy with Australia over a two-year period to secure the COP31 presidency. The process concluded on the fifth day of COP30, which began on 10 November in Belém, Brazil. Following five days of negotiations with Brazil, Azerbaijan, and Australia, Minister Kurum announced that the parties had decided to hold COP31 in Türkiye under Türkiye’s presidency. The parties also agreed that Australia would lead the organization of the Pre-COP in one of the Pacific countries. Marking a historic diplomatic achievement, Türkiye will host the COP for the first time, the UN’s most significant platform in the fight against climate change. Türkiye will serve as a bridge between developing countries and advanced economies during the sessions. Representatives of 197 countries will gather in Antalya to discuss their pledges, policies, and proposed solutions to the climate crisis.

TÜRKİYE TO BECOME THE HUB OF CLIMATE DIPLOMACY

By hosting a COP, a country positions itself at the center of global climate policy, gaining significant diplomatic recognition. The presence of tens of thousands of delegates generates substantial economic activity across tourism, accommodation, transportation, and service sectors. The process simultaneously accelerates the host country’s green transition efforts. Renewable energy, sustainable urban development, and climate adaptation projects gain stronger visibility on the national agenda. Interest from international financial institutions and climate funds increases, while the country gains greater potential to attract investments in clean energy and climate finance. The host city becomes the global center of climate diplomacy for two weeks, capturing the world’s attention and strengthening its international profile.

Source: Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change