United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, hosted by Türkiye for the first time.
Emphasizing that it is a great pleasure to be in Türkiye again, Guterres expressed his great gratitude for the wonderful organization provided by Türkiye for the success of COP31.
Pointing out that he attended many Conferences of the Parties, Guterres said, "I was extremely impressed by the high quality of the organization of this COP in Türkiye." he said.
Regarding the concrete developments expected from COP31, Guterres pointed out that, as everyone knows, the main problem related to the climate is fossil fuels, and noted that the highest emissions were reached in 2025 and the hottest years in history were experienced in the last 4 years.
Guterres stated that there is a consensus in the scientific community that there will be a temperature increase of more than 1.5 degrees in the next few years, and said, "The main thing is to keep the process of this increase as short and as low as possible." he said.
Pointing out that there is a need to reduce emissions very effectively for this and that this level should be around 6 percent in the next few years, Guterres said, "The only way for this to happen is to significantly accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable (energy)." he said.
STRONG MESSAGE EXPECTATION IN ANTALYA
Guterres pointed out that he expected a very strong message in this direction in Antalya, and stated that a road map would be presented and that this issue was among the areas to be discussed.
Underlining that he believes that this transition process will send very strong messages about the need to accelerate, Guterres said, "If we consider the climate plans of all countries in the world, even if all of these plans, including those whose complete implementation depends on certain conditions, are implemented, we will come to the end of the century with a temperature increase of over 2.5 degrees, and this will be a complete disaster." he said.
Guterres stated that he hopes this gives a strong message to countries that they need to do more, emphasizing that "common but differentiated responsibilities" must be implemented, but all countries must do more.
Reiterating that they need to achieve the target of reducing emissions by at least 6 percent in the next few years, Guterres said that it is very important to implement everything already agreed on financing and reduction for this.
Guterres also pointed out that beyond the implementation of the agreed points, they need to accelerate the work done.
'THIS IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT GOAL'
Regarding the "Zero Waste Project" initiated in Türkiye under the leadership of Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the contributions of this project, Guterres stated that he was honored that Emine Erdoğan led this project within the scope of the UN and said:
"I am delighted to be part of this. This is an extremely important goal. Firstly, waste is a very negative thing economically, and anything lost can be used to support people, especially those in need. Additionally, reducing waste is one of the most important factors in reducing methane emissions, and methane is the biggest accelerator of climate change."
Guterres stated that methane does not emit indefinitely like carbon dioxide, but its direct impact on climate change is very high. Therefore, Zero Waste is an initiative not only about improving economic conditions, but also about improving the way the economy works, and that it constitutes a fundamental tool for climate action by reducing methane emissions.
Regarding Türkiye's responsibilities as the host of COP31 in terms of making the concerns and voices of developing countries heard, Guterres pointed out that this is important in terms of meeting the financial needs of developing countries, especially, and shared his opinion that developed countries should provide 300 billion dollars every year to support developing countries.
Guterres emphasized the need to ensure their full participation in the most ambitious target of $1.3 trillion, which will be provided from all sources to support developing countries.
DAMAGES OF A TEMPERATURE INCREASE EXCEEDING 1.5 DEGREES
Pointing out that there is an important commitment to triple climate adaptation financing, Guterres warned that if the temperature increase exceeds 1.5 degrees, at least for a while, this will have devastating consequences for many people.
Noting that floods will be greater, droughts will be more severe, and storms will be worse, Guterres said, "Therefore, we need to increase our level of support for the resilience of these countries, in other words their adaptation. There is currently a commitment to triple this. We must ensure that this commitment is fulfilled." he said.
Emphasizing that this commitment is even less than 30 percent of the required amount, Guterres stated that accelerating climate justice is not only about accelerating emission reduction, but also accelerating justice in supporting developing countries is extremely important.
Guterres pointed out that Türkiye, as a respected country in the developing and developing world, has a very important role in this context and said, "Turkey plays a key role in ensuring that the commitments made by developed countries are fully fulfilled and in going further in this regard, because it is necessary to be assertive in every field." he said.
'THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAS FAILED' ON GAZA
Regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Guterres said, "The international community has failed, but there are those responsible for this failure." he said.
Reminding that he condemned Hamas' attacks, Guterres said, "On the other hand, I also condemned the level of death and destruction caused by Israel in Gaza and the huge obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid." he said.
Guterres stated that although a ceasefire was declared in Gaza, it was not observed and said, "A ceasefire was reached, but this ceasefire is not observed. Children continue to die. This is a terrible situation." gave his opinion.
Reminding that there is a peace plan approved by the UN Security Council, Guterres continued as follows:
"There is a peace plan supported by the Security Council, but the implementation of this plan is progressing extremely slowly. Israel has created obstacles to the effective delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza, as well as many obstacles to the implementation of the peace plan in question. This situation must be put to an end."
'THE EVENTS IN THE WEST BANK ARE ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE'
Guterres said that it is necessary to ensure uninterrupted access to humanitarian aid and complete the two phases of the peace plan, and that these will give hope to the people of Gaza who are suffering greatly.
Emphasizing that the situation is not limited to Gaza, Guterres said:
"What is happening in the West Bank is also completely unacceptable. There is the construction of new settlements, forced evacuations and unacceptable use of violence by settlers, not only against Palestinians, but also against journalists and diplomats. There is a clear intention to occupy more and more land. This shows that the ultimate goal is annexation, which is completely unacceptable. This must be prevented at all costs."
Guterres stated that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve peace in the Middle East in the long term and that its feasibility must be preserved.
HE WISHED FOR A MORE FAVORABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR HIS SUCCESSOR
As his term of office approaches its end, Guterres made evaluations about the UN Secretary General who will take office after him and said, "I hope he will serve in a more favorable environment. The last 10 years were extremely, really extremely difficult." he said.
Guterres stated that it would not be appropriate for the new secretary-general to give advice on how he should be or what he should do, and said, "I wish him great success in fulfilling his duty for the benefit of the UN and humanity." he said.
'THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT FOR ME WAS THE TIME I WAS IN PROSPERITY'
Guterres answered the question about the moment that left the deepest mark on him during his time as Secretary General by pointing to his visit to Welfare.
"The most memorable moment for me was when I was in Rafah and witnessed firsthand the Palestinians' urgent need for humanitarian assistance," Guterres said. he commented.
UN Secretary-General Guterres said: "Seeing so many trucks stopped at the entrance and not allowed to enter Gaza. When I think of the suffering of the Palestinian people, this was a moment I will never forget." He included his statements.
PRAISE FOR Türkiye'S COP31 HOSTING
At the end of the interview, Guterres shared his message about COP31 and wished that the conference would yield successful results.
Praising Türkiye's organizational quality, Guterres said, "I hope that the high organizational quality provided by Türkiye can be taken as an example by all member states in accordance with the level of determination currently required to protect our planet." made his assessment.
