The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change will be held in Antalya between tomorrow and November 20.
Mensah said climate diplomacy is a process and each COP summit builds on the direction set and progress made by the previous ones.
Stating that COP28 reinforced the move away from fossil fuels and COP30 reinforced the focus on implementation, Mensah said, "COP31 should maintain this momentum and turn these commitments into action on a larger scale and with a stronger sense of urgency. What makes this COP different is the importance given to accelerating electrification, including the Presidency's goal of increasing the global electrification rate to 35 percent by 2035. In addition, zero waste and "These priorities stand out as complementary and intersecting themes that combine circularity, methane reduction in the fight against climate change, resource efficiency, food systems and resilient cities." he said.
Explaining that the Global Climate Action Agenda offers a framework that includes approximately 500 initiatives and more than 120 Solutions Acceleration Plans, Mensah emphasized that the current challenge is to carry this work even further.
ELECTRIFICATION COMES TO THE FOREGOING AT COP31
Mensah pointed out that the emphasis should shift from implementation to the intensity, scale and speed of implementation.
“We need to see more projects moving towards implementation, stronger partnerships being formed, financing reaching the ground, and proven solutions being replicated across countries and sectors.” Mensah said and continued:
"This includes accelerating electrification, increasing energy efficiency in buildings, strengthening climate resilience in cities, scaling up solutions for food systems, methane reduction and circularity. The true measure of success will be whether these efforts deliver tangible results in people's lives. We need to stop treating climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation as separate problems. The three Rio Conventions provide an important framework for bringing these agendas together and COP31 will focus on Rio synergies." Its focus is an opportunity to advance more holistic policies.”
Mensah explained that he sees zero waste as a mechanism that connects resource efficiency, food systems, methane reduction, pollution prevention and urban resilience.
Pointing out that rapid urbanization puts great pressure on cities, infrastructure and basic services, Mensah underlined that this situation is especially important for coastal cities, which are among the most populous cities and are increasingly exposed to climate risks, from floods to extreme heat and sea level rise.
EMPHASIS ON RESILIENT CITIES IN FIGHTING THE CLIMATE CRISIS
Pointing out that investments should be made in the field of climate resilience, Mensah said, "The organizational capacities of communities that are first exposed to the challenges of the climate crisis should be supported and included in local resilience planning. The built environment is another big priority." he said.
Emphasizing that the construction and construction industry needs to make much faster progress in sustainable infrastructure, resource efficiency, reuse of materials and green infrastructure, Mensah said, "We must rethink how we plan, build, operate and maintain our cities. Better use of materials, energy-efficient buildings, nature-based solutions and integrated waste systems can make urban areas healthier and more resilient while reducing environmental pressures." he said.
Stating that the Zero Waste principle makes climate action more inclusive, practical and accessible and is therefore important for COP31, Mensah said that preventing food waste, keeping materials in circulation, reducing methane emissions and using resources more efficiently are actions that governments, businesses, cities, households and communities can all participate in.
Mensah explained that the Zero Waste approach transforms the global climate problem into something that people can understand, participate in and help implement.
Türkiye'S ZERO WASTE MOVEMENT
Mensah stated that Türkiye has the opportunity to bring its experience in the Zero Waste Movement to the international climate agenda and show how national initiatives can contribute to broader global solutions.
"What is particularly important is to translate this experience into partnerships and practical models that other countries and cities can adapt to their own circumstances." Making his evaluation, Mensah continued his words as follows:
"Through the Zero Waste Foundation, we are advancing various initiatives that contribute to this goal. The Istanbul Platform for Zero Waste Climate Action brings together governments, cities, businesses, investors and civil society to accelerate zero waste and circular economy solutions. The Zero Waste Neighborhoods Initiative takes this approach to the local level, helping cities turn commitments into measurable action. The Zero Waste Forum provides an international platform for dialogue and collaboration, while the #OneBillion Challenge mobilizes action to prevent food loss and waste. "The efforts are linked to the broader Global Climate Action Agenda."
Stating that Türkiye has expectations to use its COP31 Presidency to strengthen international cooperation, accelerate the implementation of existing commitments and show how solutions can be scaled across sectors and geographies, Mensah added that Antalya should be remembered not only as a milestone in the climate process but also as a moment when partnerships turn into concrete progress on the field.
