Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, in his capacity as COP31 President-Designate, has dispatched his first official letter to the UN Secretariat and the States Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climat

15 April 2026

Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, in his capacity as COP31 President-Designate, has dispatched his first official letter to the UN Secretariat and the States Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In the letter, also featured on the official COP31 Presidency website, President Kurum outlined Türkiye’s vision for the presidency and announced the official appointments for COP31.
Stating that technical and physical infrastructure preparations for the hosting the event in Antalya are progressing seamlessly, COP31 President-Designate Kurum announced that the Pre-COP meeting will take place in Tuvalu, South Pacific, from October 5–8, 2026. Affirming that Türkiye will proceed with a firm commitment to taking concrete and resolute steps during its COP31 Presidency, President Kurum said: “By prioritising innovative partnerships and robust international cooperation, I am dedicated to accelerating global climate action and contributing to the fulfilment of the objectives set forth in the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. In Antalya, the world must translate words into concrete results. We look forward to welcoming you in the true spirit of traditional Turkish hospitality.”

Preparations continue for Türkiye’s hosting of the 31st Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), one of the UN’s most significant organizations, to be held from November 9–20, 2026. Appointed as “COP31 President-Designate” by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, is managing a rigorous diplomatic schedule with UN agencies, international organizations, former COP presidencies, party representatives, EU officials, civil society, and sector leaders, while simultaneously coordinating preparations in Antalya.

In line with the key milestones of the COP31 calendar, COP31 President-Designate Kurum briefed permanent representatives at the UN General Assembly in New York at the end of March and, as of April 13, dispatched his first official letter to the member states and the UN Secretariat in his capacity as “COP31 President-Designate”.
In the letter, which was also published on the official COP31 Presidency website, Kurum highlighted that Türkiye’s COP31 vision, themed as the “COP of Implementation,” will be fulfilled through missions of dialogue, consensus, and action.

COP31 PRESIDENCY TASK DISTRIBUTION

Outlining the appointments within the COP31 Presidency, Kurum noted that Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation, has been named the COP31 High-Level Climate Champion. In this role, he will foster close collaboration with the business community, financial institutions, regional authorities, and civil society.
Kurum confirmed that, in partnership with Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Sally Higgins has been appointed as the Youth Climate Champion.
He emphasized that Higgins is a staunch advocate for global climate action.

COP31 President-Designate Kurum announced the executive leadership team: Fatma Varank, Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, will serve as Chief Executive Officer (COP31 CEO); Ömer Bulut, Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, will lead the construction and infrastructure of conference venues; Burak Demiralp, Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, will oversee operational and logistical management; Halil Hasar, Director of Climate Change, will act as the Chief Climate Diplomacy Officer within the executive framework; and Mehmet Ali Kahraman has been designated Director of the COP31 Presidency Office, responsible for the overarching coordination of the Presidency’s program and related processes.

Kurum further disclosed that the Pre-COP meeting is scheduled to take place in Tuvalu, South Pacific, from October 5–8, 2026.

“THE NEED FOR MULTILATERAL COOPERATION IS GREATER THAN EVER”

In his letter, Kurum underscored the vital importance of multilateral cooperation as the devastating impacts of climate change continue to escalate, stating: “The world is entering a decisive period for the future of climate action. The impacts of climate change are deepening and the need for multilateral cooperation is greater than ever.
This demands concrete and resolute steps in response. As the Incoming Presidency of the Conference of the Parties (COP), Türkiye has a responsibility to bring parties together and reinforce confidence in the ability of multilateral climate action to deliver tangible results. With this understanding, upon the appointment made by H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, I am deeply honoured to share with you my first letter as the COP31 President-Designate.

“I COMMIT TO LEVERAGING MY CLIMATE EXPERIENCE EFFECTIVELY”

Highlighting his leadership in shaping the legal and strategic foundations of Türkiye’s climate policies, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Kurum noted: “Having spearheaded the establishment of Türkiye’s climate policy infrastructure for over eight years—including the drafting of the Climate Law, the formulation of long-term low-emission development strategies, the building of disaster- and climate-resilient cities, the design of innovative policy and financing mechanisms for local governments, and the launch of the youth climate envoys movement—I commit to leveraging this experience effectively throughout Türkiye’s COP31 Presidency. I am determined to accelerate global climate action and contribute to the objectives of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement by prioritizing innovative partnerships and robust international cooperation.”

“WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMINGING YOU WITH THE TRUE SPIRIT OF TURKISH HOSPITALITY”

COP31 President-Designate Kurum underscored the objective of giving momentum to global climate action in Antalya by prioritizing innovative partnerships and robust international cooperation:

“In Antalya, the world must translate words into tangible results. We look forward to welcoming you within the true spirit of traditional Turkish hospitality. On this occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism, act with a sense of shared responsibility, and transform our common goals into meaningful collective action. In the period ahead, I look forward to working together within the framework of these principles to shape the future of climate action.”

THE COP OF THE FUTURE IS THE COP OF IMPLEMENTATION: DIALOGUE, CONSENSUS, AND ACTION

COP31 President-Designate Kurum noted that they will issue a further joint letter in the coming weeks to outline the specific priorities for the negotiations. Emphasizing that diplomatic, geopolitical, and economic forces must converge to accelerate the clean energy transition, Kurum stated that they will strive to carry the achievements of previous COP sessions to Antalya under the “COP of the Future” vision, transforming them into a definitive action roadmap:

“H E. Bowen and I have a common vision for achieving success at COP31. By building on what we have learned from the past and applying them to the present, we aim to realise the "COP of the Future". This will involve an implementation-focused approach, that is inclusive and balanced and that transforms commitments into measurable and practical results.
Our Presidency will be guided by three core principles: Dialogue, Consensus, and Action. Dialogue will strengthen participation and help build trust among Parties. Consensus will ensure ownership of outcomes and respect the unique circumstances of countries. Action will enable commitments to be transformed into concrete, balanced, and applicable outputs.

KEY THEMES OF COP31

Stating that Türkiye’s Action Agenda priorities for COP31 are focused on accelerating the implementation of global climate action and transforming decisions into concrete and measurable results, COP31 President-Designate Kurum outlined the focal points for Türkiye at COP31 as follows:

Strengthening the Zero Waste and circular economy approach; accelerating the clean energy transition; supporting green and low-carbon industrialization; increasing the resilience of vulnerable regions, oceans, and seas; supporting food security and developing sustainable agricultural systems; promoting climate-resilient and sustainable cities; strengthening financial and institutional mechanisms that support climate action; increasing the active participation of youth; and promoting a cross-sectoral action to jointly address climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.

COLLABORATION WITH AUSTRALIA: A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND PACIFIC REGIONS

Kurum noted that the COP31 process is being steered through the ‘Troika approach’—the strategic coordination between past, current, and future COP presidencies—highlighting that the partnership with Australia will serve as a bridge connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific regions.

He emphasized that Türkiye and Australia continue to work in close synergy with Azerbaijan and Brazil. COP31 President-Designate Kurum announced that Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, will assume the role of “COP31 President of Negotiations.” He further specified that, in consultation with Türkiye, Minister Bowen will hold exclusive authority to lead the conduct of the COP31 negotiations.

Kurum stated: “I have complete faith in his work. This new model connects the Mediterranean and Pacific regions, initiating a new era for climate diplomacy based on our deep commitment to supporting the goals of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement”.
He further added:

“COP31 will be realised through a new model of cooperation developed between Türkiye and Australia, marking a departure from previous COPs. The COP31 Presidency takes pride in establishing an innovative model that promises to deliver a new, inclusive, and solution-oriented COP. Türkiye will hold the COP31 Presidency, host COP31 including its World Leaders' Summit in Antalya, and lead the Action Agenda.

CLIMATE ACTION IN HARMONY WITH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

COP31 President-Designate Kurum emphasized that Türkiye aims to conduct its climate action in alignment with sustainable development goals, stating: “Türkiye’s objective is to mobilise finance, technology, and partnerships to support global climate goals through local and regional implementation. In particular, we aim to develop practical and scalable solutions for vulnerable regions, while advancing climate action in harmony with sustainable development.

The COP31 Presidency will actively encourage the participation of civil society, the private sector, financial institutions, academia, and local governments throughout the process.
At the same time, we firmly believe that no transformation can be achieved without the active engagement of young people.
With this conviction, we will build the ‘COP of the Future’ together with younger generations.”

GÖBEKLİTEPE EMPHASIS FOR COP31

COP31 President-Designate Kurum indicated that the COP31 Presidency draws inspiration from Göbeklitepe, civilisation's first settlement, dating back twelve thousand years, and known as the "Zero Point of History," and continued:

“Located at the crossroads of the world, Türkiye serves as a bridge between civilisations and cultures. Throughout history, with its longstanding tradition of coexistence and solidarity, Türkiye has contributed significantly to the strengthening of regional and international cooperation. Türkiye's objective is to mobilise finance, technology, and partnerships to support global climate goals through local and regional implementation. In particular, we aim to develop practical and scalable solutions for vulnerable regions, while advancing climate action in harmony with sustainable development. The COP31 Presidency will actively encourage the participation of civil society, the private sector, financial institutions, academia, and local governments throughout the process. At the same time, we firmly believe that no transformation can be achieved without the active engagement of young people. With this conviction, we will build the ‘COP of the Future’ together with younger generations.”

“PREPARATIONS IN ANTALYA ARE ONGOING WITH GREAT CARE”

COP31 President-Designate Kurum provided the following information regarding the preparations in Antalya:

We are determined to ensure that the road to Antalya is conducted in a transparent, predictable, and inclusive manner. Antalya possesses extensive experience in hosting major international events, supported by strong infrastructure and renowned hospitality. Preparations are ongoing with great care to ensure that the conference venue and surrounding facilities meet all requirements for a successful COP. The World Leaders' Summit, to be held in Antalya on 11–12 November, will be a key moment in generating political momentum and visibility for COP31. The Summit will provide an important opportunity for leaders to announce new, concrete, and implementable climate commitments and to launch initiatives that address key gaps and will support positive outcomes in the negotiations.

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COP CALENDAR AND THE DIPLOMACY OF TRANSPARENT CORRESPONDENCE

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), opened for signature at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, represents the first and most significant international step against the impacts of global warming on the climate. Having entered into force on 21 March 1994, it now includes 196 countries—including Türkiye—as well as the European Union (EU) as States Parties. Türkiye officially joined the UNFCCC on 24 May 2004. As the supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC, the Conference of the Parties (COP) meets annually to adopt collective decisions by consensus and record the commitments of the nations. The host country is determined by the mutual agreement of all 197 member nations. Once the host is confirmed, the COP31 President-Designate informs the UN Secretariat and the nations through 4 or 5 transparent letters regarding the process. These letters are published on the official presidency website. This year, Türkiye will host a COP organization for the first time.  Türkiye aims to deliver the “COP of Implementation” where rhetoric is replaced by action and countries are mobilized toward tangible steps.

At the summit, leaders from over 190 countries will discuss their climate commitments, policies, and solutions in Türkiye.