The key facts

  • COP31 will be held in Antalya on November 9–20, 2026, including a leaders' summit.
  • Turkey pledges a 'transparent, consultative and predictable' presidency and consensus-based work.
  • The priority is turning climate commitments into concrete actions and measurable outcomes.

Turkey sets out priorities on the road to COP31

On Friday, Turkey reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and international climate cooperation ahead of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), which will be held in Antalya on November 9–20 and will include a leaders' summit. The priorities of the presidency were outlined by Turkey's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ahmet Yildiz, at a special event convened by the President of the UN General Assembly ahead of COP31, titled 'A Planet Fit for the Future: Restoring Trust Through Climate Action'.

A course toward multilateralism and concrete results

'At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty and intensifying climate skepticism, Turkey has taken on the COP31 presidency with a firm commitment to multilateralism and international climate cooperation,' Yildiz said. He emphasized that as the global community enters the second decade of the Paris Agreement, efforts must increasingly focus on translating existing commitments into practical measures and measurable outcomes. According to him, Turkey's ambition is to turn climate promises into 'concrete actions and tangible results'.

Preparations for the conference in Antalya

Yildiz said that preparations for the conference in Antalya are intensifying, and Turkey intends to conduct the presidency 'in a transparent, consultative and predictable manner.' 'We will facilitate dialogue and work toward balanced and consensus-based outcomes. Ultimately, the success of COP31 is our collective endeavor,' he added. The Ambassador also called on countries to ensure high-level participation in the summit, noting that the engagement of national leaders is important for strengthening international cooperation and building momentum for climate action.