President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has appointed Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, as President of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), according to a decision published in the Official Gazette.

The decision also confirmed that the Antalya EXPO site has been designated as the venue for the conference, reflecting Türkiye’s preparations to host one of the world’s most important climate diplomacy gatherings. COP31 is expected to take place in 2026, subject to final confirmation under UNFCCC procedures.

In an official statement, Turkish authorities said they look forward to welcoming international delegations to Antalya to take “more decisive and determined steps in climate action,” underscoring Türkiye’s intention to play a more prominent role in global climate negotiations.

Murat Kurum, who has overseen Türkiye’s climate, urban resilience, and environmental transformation policies, is expected to focus on adaptation, climate finance, sustainable urban development, and support for developing countries. His appointment signals Ankara’s aim to position itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations on climate issues.

Türkiye has in recent years stepped up its climate commitments, including ratifying the Paris Agreement, announcing a 2053 net-zero emissions target, and expanding investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green infrastructure. Officials say hosting COP31 would provide an opportunity to showcase these efforts while pushing for fairer climate finance mechanisms and greater support for countries facing climate-related disasters.

Antalya, a major tourism and conference hub with extensive infrastructure, has previously hosted high-level international summits, including G20-related meetings and diplomatic forums. Authorities say the EXPO site offers the capacity, security, and logistical readiness required for a UN climate summit attended by tens of thousands of participants.

Diplomatic consultations are ongoing within the UNFCCC framework regarding the formal confirmation of the COP31 host country. If finalized, COP31 Türkiye would mark a significant milestone in the country’s climate diplomacy and its engagement with global environmental governance. (ILKHA)