Duran met with a group of parliamentarians, representatives of think tanks, academics and researchers within the scope of the events within the scope of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Antalya.
In his speech here, Duran stated that they came together to evaluate climate change, one of the most important issues of the global agenda, its causes and consequences, and solutions, and said:
"As you know, the phenomenon of climate change has become a multidimensional issue that far exceeds the boundaries of environmental policies today. The climate crisis now affects a wide range of areas, from economic development to energy security, from food supply to migration movements, from international security to social justice. This issue is not an issue that an actor can overcome with the measures it will take, in terms of its causes, consequences, dimensions and scope.
We must collectively wage a long-term struggle that requires countries, international institutions and organizations to take responsibility, and the support of scientists, civil society, private sector, think tanks and all segments of society. As Türkiye, our approach on this issue is clear. In the words of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 'We do not approach any issue 'as if'. If we focus on a problem, we produce concrete, sustainable solutions and present our road map. "As Türkiye, we approach the issue of climate change with this understanding, fulfill our responsibilities, and implement the policies we have determined one by one."
"Zero Waste initiative has gained an international dimension"
Duran stated that COP31 is important in terms of strengthening Türkiye's role in global climate diplomacy and said, "The basis of Türkiye's COP31 approach is dialogue, consensus and concrete action. In this context, we support the implementation of the commitments made in the fight against climate change, and we see the development of cooperation between countries and the implementation of common solutions as a priority goal. In other words, we want COP31 to be a summit where decisions are implemented, cooperation is developed and a result-oriented approach comes to the fore." "We want Türkiye's climate policies to be shaped within the framework of this understanding." he said.
Recalling that Türkiye ratified the Paris Agreement in 2021 and set the 2053 net zero emission target, Duran said:
"Other important steps we have taken in this process are the Second National Contribution Declaration and the Climate Law that came into force. With all these, I must frankly state that climate policies do not achieve success by simply setting targets. The fact that the decisions taken and the principles put forward are met in economic and social life is decisive in the success of these policies. As Turkey, we address the fight against climate change together with development policies, and continue our work in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable cities, zero waste, adaptation to climate change and green transformation."
Emphasizing that the Zero Waste initiative, which started under the leadership of First Lady Erdoğan, has gained an international dimension and has become one of Türkiye's most concrete steps on the issue of climate change, Duran said that it is pleasing that March 30 was declared International Zero Waste Day following the adoption of the draft resolution submitted by Türkiye in the UN General Assembly.
"More fair, inclusive and applicable policies are needed"
Duran stated that another issue that Türkiye attaches great importance to in the fight against the climate crisis is global justice and said:
"We cannot say that every country causes climate change to the same extent. The role of industrialized countries in this problem is much more obvious. In parallel, these countries need to take more responsibility in solving the problem. Because although climate change is felt on a global scale, not every country has the same capacity to combat its effects. Especially developing countries' access to finance, technology and capacity building opportunities is critical for the success of the global climate struggle. At this point, assigning responsibilities according to countries and implementing more fair, inclusive and applicable policies in line with the principle of relative capabilities." We believe it should be improved."
Duran also touched upon the importance of the contribution of think tanks to decision-making processes and continued as follows:
"Especially on an issue such as climate change, which crosses borders and requires multi-actor cooperation, the research, suggestions and criticisms of think tanks are critical. We benefit from such studies and consider them as an opportunity to test our policies. I hope that this meeting will contribute to a better understanding of Türkiye's climate policies at the international level, mutual experience sharing and the emergence of new areas of cooperation. I hope that COP31 will produce lasting results for our countries, nations and future generations; I hope that this meeting in Antalya will strengthen mutual understanding, trust and cooperation."
