“There is a shared vision for success between Türkiye and Australia. We are bringing together our different perspectives, capabilities, and relationships in service of COP31,” he said. “We believe the only thing we cannot change between us is the time difference.”
Kurum also said they aim to build on the key outcomes achieved in Baku (Azerbaijan) and Belem (Brazil), adding that they would work with their Ethiopian successors to ensure continuity from one COP to another and to prioritise Africa’s needs.
Türkiye would collaborate with all groups and civil society organisations to deliver practical solutions to real challenges, he added.
Climate resilience linked to real-world disaster recovery
Kurum also underlined Türkiye’s role as a “constructive facilitator” in geopolitical crises under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, saying the same approach would guide the COP31 process.
Kurum said crises will always exist, and countries must be self-sufficient while meeting energy needs through clean sources.
He noted Türkiye’s progress in reducing fossil fuels, stating that nearly 60% of its installed capacity now comes from renewable energy, and reaffirmed commitment to the 2053 net-zero emissions target under President Erdogan’s leadership.
He emphasised the importance of building climate-resilient cities, citing Türkiye’s two-year reconstruction of 455,000 climate-sensitive homes following the earthquakes on February 6, 2023, and adding that this experience should be shared globally.
He also stressed rising climate impacts and the need to increase public awareness, especially among youth.
Kurum went on to say that Türkiye holds the COP31 Presidency while Australia leads the negotiations; both sides coordinate closely, and decisions are made in full cooperation throughout the process.
Inviting all countries to attend the summit scheduled for November 9-20 in Antalya, Kurum said the gathering could become a turning point for a more inclusive and functional global order if successful.
The COP31 summit is expected to bring together representatives from around 197 countries to advance efforts to limit global warming, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and implement the goals of the Paris Agreement.
