Türkiye’s Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum has said the COP31 climate summit to be held in Antalya would mark the beginning of a new era of global cooperation and partnership, emphasising an inclusive approach where “no one is left behind.”
Speaking at the opening of the 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin on Tuesday, Kurum highlighted the growing impact of overlapping global crises with the climate emergency and stressed the need for multilateralism and investment in alternative energy sources.
He said recent energy supply disruptions demonstrated that fossil fuels do not guarantee energy security, underlining the importance of diversifying energy sources and accelerating investment in clean energy for stability and resilience.
Clean energy, storage leader
Kurum noted that Türkiye has tripled its renewable energy production over the past decade and attracted more than $10 billion in investments since 2022, with an additional $20 billion targeted by 2030.
He added that at least 8 gigawatts of renewable capacity will be added annually until 2035.
He said Türkiye has approved more energy storage capacity than all EU countries combined since the 2022 energy crisis.
As COP31 president, Kurum said Türkiye aims to institutionalise the process and deliver a results-oriented summit based on dialogue, compromise, and action.
He outlined nine priority areas, including zero waste and the circular economy, clean and secure energy supply, industrial decarbonisation, sustainable competitiveness, protection of oceans and ecosystems, food security, climate-resilient agriculture, resilient cities, and youth participation.
Climate finance gap
Kurum stressed that developed countries must fulfil their climate finance commitments, calling for stronger support for the Green Climate Fund and the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage.
He also urged all stakeholders to align with the $1.3 trillion “The Baku to Belem Roadmap.”
He said Türkiye and Australia share a common vision for COP31, adding that Antalya would host a summit aimed at fostering broad cooperation and inclusivity.
“There is a shared vision for success between Türkiye and Australia. We are bringing together our different perspectives, capabilities, and relationships in service of COP31," he said. "We believe the only thing we cannot change between us is the time difference.”
Kurum also said they aim to build on the key outcomes achieved in Baku (Azerbaijan) and Belem (Brazil), adding that they would work with their Ethiopian successors to ensure continuity from one COP to another and to prioritise Africa’s needs.
Türkiye would collaborate with all groups and civil society organisations to deliver practical solutions to real challenges, he added.
Climate resilience linked to real-world disaster recovery
Kurum also underlined Türkiye’s role as a “constructive facilitator” in geopolitical crises under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, saying the same approach would guide the COP31 process.
Kurum said crises will always exist, and countries must be self-sufficient while meeting energy needs through clean sources.
He noted Türkiye’s progress in reducing fossil fuels, stating that nearly 60% of its installed capacity now comes from renewable energy, and reaffirmed commitment to the 2053 net-zero emissions target under President Erdogan’s leadership.
He emphasised the importance of building climate-resilient cities, citing Türkiye’s two-year reconstruction of 455,000 climate-sensitive homes following the earthquakes on February 6, 2023, and adding that this experience should be shared globally.
He also stressed rising climate impacts and the need to increase public awareness, especially among youth.
Kurum went on to say that Türkiye holds the COP31 Presidency while Australia leads the negotiations; both sides coordinate closely, and decisions are made in full cooperation throughout the process.
Inviting all countries to attend the summit scheduled for November 9-20 in Antalya, Kurum said the gathering could become a turning point for a more inclusive and functional global order if successful.
The COP31 summit is expected to bring together representatives from around 197 countries to advance efforts to limit global warming, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and implement the goals of the Paris Agreement.
