The 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP31, opened in Antalya, Türkiye, on Monday. The summit is being held across an area of 1.1 million square meters and will continue until November 20.
COP31 President Murat Kurum, who is also Türkiye's minister of environment, urbanization and climate change, announced on X that the opening ceremony was underway. Speaking at the event, he said the world had reached a critical turning point where delays in tackling climate change threaten irreversible consequences.
Kurum said climate policy affects development, energy, food security and urban planning at the same time, and that its aim is above all protecting the future of humanity. He warned that the depletion of water resources in one country has consequences for the economies of other societies, as well as for migration patterns and even their security.
The summit uses a leadership structure that is new in the history of UN climate talks. Türkiye holds the presidency and is responsible for organizing the event, while Australia chairs the negotiations. The two countries agreed on the arrangement at COP30 in Brazil.
A total of 102 leaders are expected to attend. They include heads of state and government from 95 countries and the heads of seven international organizations, such as the United Nations, the European Union, the World Bank and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The leaders will discuss commitments, policies and proposals for solving the climate crisis.
Organizers expect about 100,000 foreign delegates, while the total number of visitors is projected to reach 1.5 million. A so-called COP of Action, aimed at ensuring practical steps by states, is also planned.
Source: Report.az
