Türkiye is gearing up to host the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Antalya this November, with Murat Kurum, the country’s minister of environment, urbanisation and climate change, serving as the president-designate. Kurum has outlined a comprehensive agenda that places climate finance, renewable energy, the circular economy, and climate-resilient urban development at the forefront of the summit’s priorities.
A civil engineer by profession, Kurum brings extensive experience in urban development and transformation to his current role. Since assuming his ministerial position, he has launched and overseen several initiatives aimed at environmental sustainability, including Türkiye’s zero waste movement and various projects to enhance the resilience of cities to natural disasters and climate impacts.
Under Kurum’s leadership, Türkiye aims to play a pivotal role in advancing global climate negotiations, which have faced increasing challenges amid geopolitical tensions and divergent national interests. The COP31 presidency will test whether the international community can translate previous promises into tangible action and outcomes.
Türkiye’s focus on integrating sustainable urban planning and circular economy principles into the climate agenda reflects the country’s dual challenge of managing rapid urbanisation while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, Kurum’s emphasis on climate finance highlights the ongoing need to mobilise funds to support mitigation and adaptation efforts, particularly in developing countries.
As COP31 approaches, attention will be on Türkiye’s ability to facilitate dialogue and build consensus among the nearly 200 parties involved in the process. The outcome of the conference could influence the direction of global climate efforts in the critical decade ahead, shaping policies on renewable energy deployment, infrastructure development, and financial mechanisms designed to support a low-carbon future.