The first event was held at the EXPO campus in Antalya within the scope of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31). COP31 President, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, and COP31 Negotiations President, Australian Minister of Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen attended the 'COP31 Volunteers Meeting' held in General Assembly 1 'Anatolia' hall. Addressing the volunteers, the two ministers drew attention to the importance of international cooperation and the responsibility of young people in the fight against climate change.
'45 THOUSAND APPLICATIONS FROM 154 COUNTRIES'
Minister Kurum announced that more than 45 thousand applications were made to the COP31 volunteering program from 154 countries of the world, and stated that this interest reveals the desire of young people to take responsibility in the fight against climate change. The institution said, "More than 45 thousand applications came from 154 countries of the world in our COP31 volunteer program. And the message this interest gives us is very strong. The young people of the world want to take responsibility. The young people of the world do not want to just listen. The young people of the world want to get to work now."
'YOUR RIGHT TO BE AT THE TABLE FOR YOUR FUTURE'
Stating that young people grow up seeing the consequences of climate change in their daily lives, Minister Kurum said that drought, extreme temperatures, floods, decrease in water resources and increase in food prices have become common problems of the world. The institution said, "You do not only have an environmental issue in front of you. You are the young people of a period when all the codes of life are written and re-evaluated. That is why it is your right to demand a say in the climate issue. It is your right to demand faster steps, it is your right to demand that the promises made are kept, and most importantly, it is your right to be at the table in the decisions made about your future."
'THE HEART OF THE WORLD IS IN ANTALYA'
Stating that leaders, ministers, scientists, entrepreneurs and civil society representatives from all over the world will meet in Antalya, Kurum said, "The heart of the world is in Antalya, Türkiye these days. As the President of COP31, I attach great importance to this summit. Because the world is going through a really difficult period. Nature no longer whispers to us. Nature speaks. It speaks with extreme temperatures. It speaks with drought. It speaks with floods, fires, disappearing water resources. And it tells us only one thing: Time." "It's getting narrower," he said.
'DIALOGUE, CONSENSUS, ACTION'
Emphasizing that the climate crisis knows no borders and that the solution is through international cooperation, Murat Kurum explained the basic approach of COP31 in three words. The institution said, "The boundaries on the map are different. But dear young people, the sky has no boundaries. Water has no boundaries, climate has no boundaries. Therefore, the solution must go beyond the borders. It is important to see the problem, it is important to know. It is also important to talk. But these are not enough. Now is the time for implementation. That is why we will describe the basic philosophy of COP31 in three words: Dialogue, consensus, action. First, we will listen to each other. Then we will expand the common ground, and then we will carry that will to practice and field together." spoke.
'CLIMATE JUSTICE IS THE JUSTICE OF THE FUTURE'
Stating that issues such as clean energy, resilient cities, food security, water resources, industry and ocean protection will be discussed at the summit, Kurum said that they will defend the understanding of justice in President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's call for 'The world is bigger than five' voiced on international platforms in climate diplomacy.
'YOU WILL BE A COUNTRY'S MEMORY OF Türkiye'
Explaining that volunteers will work in many areas during the summit, from welcoming leaders to guiding scientists, from assisting country delegations to organizing meetings, Minister Kurum said, "Sometimes, the work you do will only last a few minutes. Maybe a smile, maybe a direction. But remember, sometimes a country's memory of Türkiye will be hidden in those few seconds of your behavior."
Stating that international negotiations will take place in the Blue Zone of COP31 and science, technology, art, culture and zero waste practices will take place in the Green Zone, Kurum said that they want the summit to leave permanent traces in Antalya. Emphasizing that young people are not only the audience but also the founders of the future, Kurum stated that the volunteers will show Türkiye's hospitality to the world.
BOWEN: Türkiye CAN ALREADY BE PROUD
COP31 Negotiations Chairman and Australian Minister of Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen praised Türkiye's preparations for the summit in his speech. Praising the organization area in Antalya and Türkiye's leadership in international climate diplomacy, Bowen said, "Turkey can already be proud of what it has presented to the world at COP31. You can already be proud of this magnificent venue in this beautiful city. As our world prepares to deal with the biggest challenge that faces us all, such as climate change, you can already be proud of the leadership your government provides to the world."
'THE EYES OF THE WORLD ARE ON ANTALYA'
Stating that the volunteers will be the face of Türkiye reflected to the world at the summit, Bowen said, "The world is looking for success at COP31 and a sign that international cooperation and multilateralism will work. And I know that this face that you will present to the world on behalf of your country, on behalf of Turkey, will be a face that your country will be proud of and that you will remember for the rest of your life." Bowen said that the volunteers will remember the work they do to represent their country in Antalya, where the eyes of the world are on them, throughout their lives.
'Türkiye AND AUSTRALIA WORKED CLOSE'
Stating that Turkey and Australia are working in close cooperation to organize COP31, Bowen said that although the two countries are located in different parts of the world and face different challenges, they have a common goal in combating climate change. Bowen also touched upon the events commemorating the soldiers who lost their lives in wars that are important for Australia and other countries on November 11, and stated that this common history strengthens the friendship between the two countries. Pointing out the importance of Türkiye and Australia working together in climate negotiations, Bowen thanked the volunteers.
