With COP31 Win, Türkiye Sets Sights on Leading Global Climate Action

Türkiye is set to take a prominent role in global climate action as it prepares to host and chair COP31 next year, a milestone that officials describe as a major achievement for the country’s environmental leadership. The decision was finalized following intensive negotiations at COP30 in Brazil, led by Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum.

Diplomatic Push Behind the Win
Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation, highlighted that Türkiye’s successful bid resulted from a coordinated diplomatic effort starting in 2022, involving multiple ministries and international partners. Kurum’s tireless leadership—at times holding 17-hour-long meetings during COP30—was pivotal in securing the hosting rights.

Nearly 100,000 participants from over 190 countries are expected at COP31, an event of a scale never before hosted in Türkiye. Ağırbaş noted that the summit will provide a global platform to showcase Türkiye’s climate policies, environmental projects, and national achievements, while fostering public engagement, especially among youth.

Zero Waste Initiatives at the Forefront
The Zero Waste Foundation, under the honorary presidency of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, plans to launch new initiatives with all COP-participating nations, coordinating efforts through a dedicated task force led by Kurum. Türkiye’s zero-waste project, now recognized in 193 countries, has inspired over 40 nations to integrate zero-waste principles into official policy, transforming a domestic initiative into a global model.

Overcoming Political Challenges
Ağırbaş acknowledged that Türkiye faced resistance from certain states and blocs during negotiations but emphasized that the Ankara delegation stood firm with support from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, ultimately bringing COP31 to Türkiye.

Climate Diplomacy and Global Partnerships
Officials view the summit as an opportunity to strengthen international ties and project diplomatic goodwill. Partnerships, such as the one with Australia rooted in the shared memory of Çanakkale, underscore Türkiye’s commitment to turning historical experiences into messages of global peace.

Türkiye has already set a clear roadmap toward its 2053 net-zero target, and discussions in international forums increasingly focus on scaling zero-waste practices worldwide. The country is also drafting a new zero-waste accord to be introduced at COP31.

Cultural and Soft Power Impact
Beyond climate negotiations, Türkiye plans cultural programming and hospitality events to showcase the nation’s heritage to global participants. Officials believe the event will not only elevate Türkiye’s climate diplomacy but also enhance its global soft-power influence.

“Our committees, composed of respected international figures, are working with us to monitor climate change and zero waste,” Ağırbaş said. “We are ready to welcome the world and demonstrate Türkiye’s commitment to shaping the future of global climate action.”