Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and Türkiye’s Chief Climate Negotiator, Mrs. Fatma Varank, clearly demonstrated Türkiye’s intention to host COP31 through her speech delivered at the event “Shaping a Sustainable Future: Türkiye’s Climate Action Networking Event” held in Bonn, Germany.
The event was organized within the framework of the 62nd Session of the Subsidiary Bodies, which forms part of the preparations for COP30 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Delivering a speech during the program, Mrs. Varank also held bilateral meetings with representatives from various countries throughout the event. Additionally, a presentation by the Climate Presidency provided extensive information on Türkiye’s efforts to combat climate change.
Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero Emission Goal Is at the Core of Its Development Vision
In her speech, Mrs. Varank drew attention to the harmonious cycle of nature and emphasized the humanitarian aspect of Türkiye’s climate approach by stating, “Just as nature does, we too must strive not only for ourselves, but for all humanity.” She noted that Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero Emission target is not only an environmental goal but lies at the heart of the country’s development vision.
"Renewable Energy Capacity Reaches 60%"
Highlighting Türkiye’s significant progress in energy transition, Mrs. Fatma Varank stated that the country’s renewable energy capacity has reached 60%, that the growth in solar and wind energy continues, and that a multidimensional policy is being pursued to reduce the carbon footprint, including nuclear investments. She underlined that energy independence cannot be considered separately from environmental sustainability.
"We Are a Candidate for COP31 Presidency"
Deputy Minister Mrs. Fatma Varank emphasized that the Climate Law currently under discussion in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye is not merely a legal regulation, but a foundational pillar of Türkiye’s green transformation vision. She stated, “Inspired by our culture, and with a transparent, inclusive approach that leaves no one behind, we are a candidate for COP31 Presidency. Let us build a greener future together,” thereby sharing Türkiye’s vision for COP31.
Mrs. Varank Held Bilateral Meetings During the Event
As part of the event, Deputy Minister Mrs. Varank also held various bilateral meetings. In her discussions with UNFCCC Executive Secretary Mr. Simon Stiell, COP29 Azerbaijan Chief Negotiator Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, Head of the Australian Delegation Mrs. Sally Box, and Head of the Russian Delegation Mr. Vladimir Uskov, views were exchanged on climate action, regional cooperation, and the COP31 process.
Türkiye’s Green Transformation Roadmap Shared with International Participants
In a technical presentation by the Climate Presidency during the event, comprehensive information was shared regarding Türkiye’s progress in combating climate change and its concrete future goals.
Türkiye Raised Its Emission Reduction Target from 21% to 41%
The presentation noted that Türkiye has increased its emission reduction target from 21% to 41%, and that the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), currently under preparation, is planned to be shared with the public before COP30. It was stated that Türkiye’s long-term climate strategy for 2053 covers a total of 18 sectors and 89 strategies, with a goal of increasing the share of non-fossil fuels in energy to 80%.
The presentation by the Climate Presidency also noted that with the upcoming Climate Law, which will be Türkiye’s first comprehensive climate legislation, the Emissions Trading System is planned to be implemented during the 2026–2028 period. Moreover, it was emphasized that work continues on developing Türkiye’s Green Taxonomy to strengthen the financial infrastructure for green investments, and that investment-grade action plans are being prepared for international financial institutions.
Antalya’s Technical and Logistical Capacity Complies with COP Standards
The presentation also included details on Antalya, Türkiye’s proposed host city for COP31, and its technical and logistical readiness. It was noted that Antalya Expo Center meets COP standards with its modern infrastructure, spacious event areas, and media centers, while Antalya Airport, offering direct flights to 327 destinations, is fully prepared to accommodate international participation.
Türkiye’s technical competence, impartial diplomacy, experienced negotiation team, and inclusive vision for vulnerable regions were underlined in the presentation as qualities that position the country as a prominent actor in global climate governance. Additionally, concrete solutions were shared in areas such as industrial and energy transformation, carbon markets, and climate-resilient urban models, within a vision for a future that leaves no one behind and aims to strengthen the resilience of climate-vulnerable regions like the Mediterranean, Africa, and the Pacific.
The presentation, followed with great interest by participants, emphasized that Türkiye’s COP31 candidacy file is strongly positioned in the eyes of the international community thanks to both its technical infrastructure and comprehensive vision.
