President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a written statement regarding the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) Leaders Summit held in Antalya.
Thanking the heads of state and government who attended the summit, Erdoğan stated that the meeting, held at a time when great challenges were experienced in the international arena, demonstrated the political commitments towards climate action and the will of the countries to cooperate.
Erdoğan pointed out that we have entered the second decade of the Paris Agreement and stated that the fight against climate change is both a scientific and moral obligation.
Noting that a broad common ground was formed during the summit meetings, Erdoğan said that the fact that countries have different priorities and national conditions does not constitute an obstacle to joint action.
NEW MECHANISM FOR CLIMATE FINANCE
Stating that within the scope of COP31, access to finance especially for the countries most affected by climate change has gained importance, Erdoğan stated that the "Climate Implementation Bridge" initiative developed in this direction has received wide support.
Erdoğan explained the purpose of the mechanism as turning existing climate commitments into concrete results by ensuring closer cooperation between countries, financial institutions and other parties.
He stated that the initiative also aims to support country-led studies in the fields of climate change adaptation, resilience and sustainable development.
SUPPORT TO THE GLOBAL ELECTRIFICATION COMMITMENT
Emphasizing that COP31 was designed as an application-oriented conference, Erdoğan expressed his satisfaction with the support given to the "35x35 Global Electrification Commitment".
Stating that many leaders drew attention to the opportunities offered by electrification during the summit and that many countries participated in the initiative, Erdoğan said that the widespread use of electricity can contribute to energy security and economic development.
Erdoğan pointed out the importance of countries realizing this transformation in line with their own needs and national priorities.
EMPHASIS ON NATURAL DISASTERS AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS
Referring to the recent natural disasters and loss of life in his statement, Erdoğan stated that the disasters demonstrated that time should not be wasted in the fight against climate change.
Giving a message of solidarity with communities affected by disasters, Erdoğan emphasized the need to establish stronger early warning systems against climate risks and protect vulnerable communities.
He stated that in addition to reducing emissions, adaptation and resilience to climate change should also be among the priority targets.
Türkiye-AUSTRALIA PARTNERSHIP
Referring to the partnership established between Türkiye and Australia during the COP31 process, Erdoğan stated that this cooperation is an indicator of trust in multilateralism.
Pointing out the importance of geographically distant countries with different conditions coming together around a common goal, Erdoğan expressed his satisfaction with the participation of Pacific Island countries, especially Tuvalu and Fiji, which hosted the meetings before COP31, in the process.
CALL FROM ERDOĞAN FOR 1.5 DEGREE TARGET
Stating that in order to implement climate policies, governments, as well as private sector, financial institutions, local governments and civil society should also participate in the process, Erdoğan stated that they aim for the COP31 Action Agenda to strengthen the cooperation between these segments.
Inviting countries to continue the constructive approach put forward at the Leaders' Summit in the ongoing negotiations, Erdoğan concluded his statement with the following words:
"The political commitment demonstrated in Antalya is encouraging for the work to be carried out within the scope of the Paris Agreement. Let's maintain this determination, continue our efforts towards implementation and make the 1.5°C target achievable."
