Turkish Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran has stressed the need for international cooperation, fair responsibility-sharing and concrete action to tackle climate change ahead of the COP31 climate summit in Antalya.

Duran made the remarks during a meeting with parliamentarians, think tank representatives, academics and researchers held as part of preparations for the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31).

Describing climate change as a multidimensional challenge extending beyond environmental policy, Duran said the crisis increasingly affects economic development, energy security, food supplies, migration, international security and social justice.

He stressed that addressing the crisis required a comprehensive, long-term effort involving governments, international organisations, scientists, civil society, the private sector and other segments of society.

"Türkiye's approach to this matter is clear," Duran said, referring to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's emphasis on developing concrete and sustainable solutions rather than merely making symbolic commitments.

He added that Türkiye was fulfilling its responsibilities and implementing its climate policies in line with this approach.

Zero Waste initiative gains international recognition

Highlighting the importance of COP31 in strengthening Türkiye's position in global climate diplomacy, Duran said Ankara's approach to the summit was based on dialogue, consensus and concrete action.

He said Türkiye wanted COP31 to serve as a platform where commitments are translated into action, international cooperation is strengthened and results-oriented solutions are developed.

Recalling that Türkiye ratified the Paris Agreement in 2021 and set a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2053, Duran cited the country's Second Nationally Determined Contribution and newly enacted Climate Law as further steps in its climate policy.

He said Türkiye was pursuing efforts in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable urban development, waste management, climate adaptation and the green transition.

Duran also highlighted the Zero Waste initiative launched under the leadership of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, describing it as one of Türkiye's most tangible contributions to tackling climate change.

He welcomed the UN General Assembly's adoption of a resolution submitted by Türkiye declaring March 30 the International Day of Zero Waste, saying the initiative had acquired an international dimension.

Türkiye calls for fairer climate burden-sharing

Duran also emphasised the importance of global justice in addressing climate change, arguing that countries had not contributed equally to the crisis and should therefore not bear equal responsibility for resolving it.

He said industrialised countries had played a more significant role in creating the problem and should assume greater responsibility for addressing its consequences.

Noting that developing countries faced different levels of capacity to cope with climate change, he stressed the importance of access to financing, technology and capacity-building opportunities.

"Responsibilities should be determined based on the circumstances of countries, and fairer, more inclusive and feasible policies should be developed in line with the principle of respective capabilities," he said.

Duran further underlined the role of think tanks in shaping climate policies, saying their research, recommendations and critical assessments were particularly valuable on issues requiring cross-border cooperation.

He expressed hope that the meeting would help promote a better international understanding of Türkiye's climate policies, facilitate the exchange of experience and create new opportunities for cooperation.

Duran also voiced hope that COP31 would deliver lasting results for participating countries, their people and future generations, while strengthening mutual understanding, trust and cooperation.

In a post on his Nsosyal account, Duran thanked think tank representatives for contributing to the meeting with their views and assessments on the COP31 process. (ILKHA)