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11 January 2026
Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum convened the first preparatory meeting in Antalya—where Türkiye will host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change this year—in his capacity as “COP31 President,” with the participation of representatives from six ministries.
Minister Kurum carried out site inspections at the Antalya EXPO Fairgrounds, the venue where COP31 will be held.
Ahead of the COP31 sessions, which will be organized in Türkiye for the first time from 9 to 20 November, Minister Kurum consulted with local administrators and representatives of the relevant ministries regarding preparatory arrangements.
Director of Climate Change Prof. Halil Hasar also accompanied Minister Kurum during the visit.
Minister Kurum Chairs First Preparatory Meeting
Following the field visits, Minister Kurum chaired the first preparatory meeting at the Antalya EXPO Congress Center in his capacity as “COP31 President.”
The meeting was attended by Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin; Chair of the Turkish Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and Antalya MP Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu; regional members of parliament; Acting Mayor of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Büşra Özdemir; deputy ministers; and representatives and general directors from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, and the Directorate of Communications.
The meeting reviewed COP31 preparations, the work to be carried out by relevant organizations and agencies, and the roadmap to be followed. More Than 80,000 Visitors from 196 Countries to Arrive in Antalya Commenting on Antalya’s hosting of COP31, Minister Kurum said: “This year, the eyes of the world will once again be on Antalya. We will be hosting COP31—the world’s most important climate summit—here in Antalya. Türkiye’s COP31 presidency is of critical importance. This is because as countries take decisions on climate action at this summit, they will look to Türkiye’s position. Every decision adopted will bear Türkiye’s signature. We will once again demonstrate to the world Türkiye’s organizational capacity and vision, together with the renowned hospitality of Antalya. Most importantly, more than 80,000 participants from 196 countries will be attending the summit. This influx of visitors will make a major contribution to Antalya’s local businesses, production, and international promotion.”
Türkiye’s Path to Hosting COP31
Under the leadership of Minister Kurum, Türkiye conducted two years of shuttle diplomacy with Australia in pursuit of the COP31 presidency. The process concluded on the fifth day of COP30, which began on 10 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. It was decided that COP31 would be hosted and presided over by Türkiye. Marking a historic diplomatic achievement, Türkiye secured—for the first time—the opportunity to host COP, the United Nations’ most important forum in the global fight against climate change. Representatives of 197 countries will gather in Antalya to discuss their commitments, policies, and proposed solutions to the climate crisis.
Murat Kurum as COP31 President
Through a Presidential Circular issued with the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister Kurum was appointed as Türkiye’s “COP31 President.”
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change is coordinating all preparatory, organizational, and implementation processes for the Conference. Within this framework, all relevant institutions and organizations are conducting their work in coordination with the Ministry, in line with the guidance issued by the ‘COP31 President’. In his capacity as “COP31 President,” Minister Kurum will also assign the necessary authorities and responsibilities required to conduct the negotiations and organize the conference.
COP:
The Premier Summit of Climate Diplomacy
The Conferences of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are held annually with the participation of 197 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. 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. 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.