Türkiye appoints environment minister as COP31 president

Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, has been appointed president of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, following a decision by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Kurum announced the appointment on his X page, describing it as “a great honour” to lead the conference.

“Hosting COP31 puts Türkiye in a key position within global climate policy and makes us one of the actors shaping the fight against climate change,” he wrote.

The minister added that Türkiye would use its role to advance both national and global interests.

“I am confident that our country – thanks to our policies, governance system, civil society, and a population of 86 million – will use this historic opportunity to benefit disadvantaged regions and the entire world.

May our presidency of COP31 serve the interests of our nation, our people, and the world,” Kurum said.

The 2026 UN Climate Change Conference will convene from November 9-20 in Antalya.

COP30 was held in Abu Dhabi in 2025, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, scientists, and activists to address the escalating climate crisis. The conference focused on accelerating the global transition to renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, with particular attention on the energy strategies of major emitters.

A major outcome of COP30 was the agreement to strengthen climate finance for vulnerable and developing countries, ensuring they receive the necessary support to adapt to climate impacts and implement mitigation strategies. Countries are also committed to updating their national emissions reduction targets to align with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

COP30 further emphasised the role of innovation and private-sector collaboration in tackling climate change. Initiatives promoting sustainable infrastructure, green technologies, and carbon markets were highlighted as essential tools to accelerate progress.

By Aghakazim Guliyev