The key facts

  • Erdogan spoke at the COP31 business forum in Antalya
  • He called on developed countries to take greater responsibility for emissions and financing
  • Turkey promised to continue supporting investments in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power

Speech at the Climate Forum in Antalya

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke at the COP31 business forum held in Antalya, southern Turkey, and called for decisive global action in response to the climate crisis. According to him, the scale of the crisis requires certainty of action worldwide, and developed countries that have 'exhausted the global carbon budget' must take greater responsibility for emission reductions and climate financing.

Call for Collective Action and Support for Developing Countries

Erdogan emphasized that the right of developing countries to development must be protected, and communities bearing the greatest burden of the climate crisis must receive strong support. He warned of the danger when countries prioritize their own interests over collective action: 'If we act on the principle of 'every man for himself', the door will open to much greater difficulties and far more destructive disasters.' The president also cautioned against repeating past mistakes when environmental protection is sacrificed for economic interests: 'Mistakes made 50 or 100 years ago are now manifesting one after another. If we repeat the same mistakes today and sacrifice ecology for the economy, our children will pay the price'.

Turkey's Green Agenda and the Role of Business

Erdogan stated that Turkey is firmly following the path of green development, restructuring sectors from energy and industry to transport, agriculture, and construction. According to him, governments alone cannot succeed in the fight against climate change, so businesses must take greater responsibility. He promised to continue supporting investments in renewable energy — wind, solar, and hydroelectric power — and emphasized that Turkey aims to strengthen industrial competitiveness while combating climate change. Acknowledging that rising energy prices affect Turkey as well as other countries, he stated that Ankara will not abandon economic growth, development, and investments in the welfare of the population.

Statements on Turkey's Regional Role

Addressing the regional situation, Erdogan said that Turkey has confirmed its position as an 'island of stability and security', and trust from international investors and institutions continues to grow. 'We keep our country away from conflicts and sincerely work to establish peace and stability in our region', Anadolu quoted him as saying. Statements about Turkey's role in the region and the growth of investor trust remain the president's words and are not supported by independent data in the publication.