By Abbas Nazil
The Government of the Republic of Türkiye has officially announced the appointment of His Excellency Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, as President of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP31.
The decision was made by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and confirmed through an official notice published in the country’s gazette, marking a key milestone in preparations for the next major global climate summit.
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Alongside the presidential appointment, Türkiye also confirmed that COP31 will be hosted at the Antalya EXPO site, a prominent international venue located on the Mediterranean coast.
The choice of Antalya reflects Türkiye’s intention to provide a modern, accessible, and well-resourced setting capable of accommodating the scale and complexity of a United Nations climate conference.
COP meetings typically attract tens of thousands of participants, including heads of state, ministers, negotiators, scientists, civil society organisations, youth groups, and representatives of the private sector.
Murat Kurum’s appointment places an experienced policy figure at the center of the COP31 process, given his extensive background in environmental management, urban development, housing policy, and climate-related reforms.
As Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, he has overseen initiatives on climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable cities, waste management, and emissions-related planning.
COP31 is expected to continue discussions on the implementation of the Paris Agreement, with particular focus on mitigation ambition, adaptation support, climate finance, and mechanisms addressing loss and damage.
The conference will take place at a time when countries are under increasing pressure to demonstrate concrete progress toward nationally determined contributions and long-term net-zero goals.
Türkiye’s role as host and presidency holder positions the country as a key convenor in international climate diplomacy during a period of heightened climate impacts worldwide.
Extreme weather events, rising global temperatures, biodiversity loss, and growing socioeconomic vulnerabilities have intensified calls for faster and more equitable climate action.
For many developing countries, especially in Africa, upcoming COP negotiations remain critical for securing adequate financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building support.
The Antalya EXPO site, previously used for large international exhibitions, is expected to undergo further logistical preparations to meet UNFCCC standards on security, accessibility, and sustainability.
Turkish authorities have expressed optimism that COP31 will provide a platform for renewed cooperation, practical solutions, and trust-building among nations with differing economic and development priorities.
The conference is also expected to amplify the role of non-state actors, including researchers, indigenous communities, local governments, and youth movements, in shaping climate outcomes.
As global attention turns toward Antalya, COP31 is anticipated to play a decisive role in determining whether international climate commitments translate into accelerated action on the ground.
