Türkiye’s hosting of the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly known as COP31, is significant both for international visibility and for establishing a decisive position in climate diplomacy.

At the Conference of the Parties (COP), the annual meeting of the 197 countries that are signatories to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to negotiate and agree on international climate policies, global decisions are made in areas such as greenhouse gas reduction targets and carbon market rules.

The roadmap for the implementation of the Paris Agreement is also shaped at COP meetings, and the decisions taken directly influence countries’ climate policies.

In this context, Anadolu has summarized the process in five questions, from how the COP functions to the responsibilities that hosting it brings.

-What is the COP?

COP, the Conference of the Parties, is the highest decision-making body of the UNFCCC and meets annually.

Representatives from the convention’s 197 member countries gather annually at COP meetings to review progress and negotiate global responses to climate change, including in areas such as greenhouse gas reduction, adaptation policies, climate finance, loss and damage mechanisms, and carbon markets.

Rules for the implementation of the Paris Agreement are also shaped at COP meetings.

-What are the advantages of hosting the conference?

Hosting provides countries with diplomatic, economic and environmental gains. By hosting the COP, a country positions itself at the center of global climate policymaking, gaining significant diplomatic visibility.

The participation of tens of thousands of delegates generates substantial economic activity in tourism, accommodation, transport and services.

Hosting also accelerates green transformation efforts in the country.

Renewable energy, sustainable urban planning and climate adaptation projects receive stronger attention.

Interest from international financial institutions and climate funds increases, and the host country has greater potential to attract investment in clean energy and climate finance.

Moreover, the host city draws global attention for two weeks, becoming the center of climate diplomacy and enhancing its international recognition.

-Which countries have hosted the conference already?

Since 1995, COP meetings have been held on different continents. Some notable host countries include Germany for COP1 (Berlin), Japan for COP3 (Kyoto), Denmark for COP15 (Copenhagen), France for COP21 (Paris, where the Paris Agreement was adopted), the UK for COP26 (Glasgow), Egypt for COP27 (Sharm El-Sheikh), the United Arab Emirates for COP28 (Dubai), Azerbaijan for COP29 (Baku) and Brazil for COP30 (Belem).

Türkiye will host a COP meeting for the first time next year.

– What responsibilities does hosting bring?

Hosting the COP requires extensive organizational capability. Infrastructure must be prepared to accommodate over 100,000 participants, including large meeting halls, media centers, side event spaces and security arrangements.

The host country must ensure compliance with UN security standards and implement sustainability measures, including zero-waste initiatives and carbon-neutral organization.

High-level diplomacy preparations are required due to the attendance of state and government leaders, along with the coordination of pre-meetings and technical committee sessions.

Thus, the host country is responsible not only for logistics but also for ensuring that global negotiations proceed smoothly in a healthy atmosphere.

– What does Türkiye hosting COP31 mean?

Türkiye was part of a joint candidacy process with Australia for COP31.

During the COP30 General Assembly held in Belem, Brazil, it was decided that the next COP meeting would be hosted by Türkiye.

Representatives from nearly 200 countries will sit at the table in Türkiye next year to discuss climate action.

The COP31 Leaders’ Summit is planned to be held in Istanbul and COP31 in Antalya.

Thus, Türkiye will become the center of global climate diplomacy for two weeks.

This process will significantly increase international attention from investors and funds toward Türkiye in areas such as climate finance, clean energy and green technology.

Türkiye’s climate policies, emission reduction targets and green transformation programs are expected to serve as a global example.

Published November 23,2025

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Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday received World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Communications Directorate said.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also attended the closed-door meeting.

Further information on the meeting was not immediately available.

Published November 23,2025

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Türkiye underlined its “strong commitment” to regional peace and global economic stability during the weekend G20 summit in South Africa, Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said Sunday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan effectively conveyed Ankara’s views in summit sessions, press conferences, and numerous bilateral meetings, discussing cooperation in defense, trade, energy, technology, and aviation, Duran said on Turkish social media platform NSosyal.

Duran highlighted the country’s growing diplomatic influence and Erdoğan’s emphasis on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for global action.

Türkiye’s constructive approach to the Ukraine-Russia conflict and calls for a more inclusive global economy were also underscored, he said.

Looking ahead, Duran pointed to Türkiye’s upcoming presidency and hosting of the UN climate change conference COP31 next November.

He said Türkiye is a leading actor in climate action, citing the 2053 Net Zero Emissions Target and initiatives such as the Zero Waste Movement, which exemplify the country’s commitment to sustainable development.

“The 2053 Net Zero Emissions Target set forth by our President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, demonstrates to the world that Türkiye adopts a development approach that considers not only the present but also the future. This vision, which prioritizes green transformation across all policy areas, from energy to transportation, urban planning to production, provides a strong leadership foundation for the COP31 process,” he said.

“The Zero Waste Initiative, which has transformed into a global environmental movement under the auspices of first lady Emine Erdoğan, is also one of the most inspiring success stories for a more livable world. Reducing waste, using resources efficiently, and promoting a culture of respectful living toward nature are among the goals that perfectly align with the spirit of COP31. I believe that this historic gathering in our country will be a process in which the heart of climate diplomacy beats in Anatolia and global solutions will resonate from Türkiye,” he added.

Published November 23,2025

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China expressed its readiness to work with Italy to “continuously promote two-way opening up,” state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.

Beijing is “willing to enhance connectivity and synergy with the Italian side in markets and industries, and promote optimized and balanced development of bilateral trade,” Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the margins of the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Li expressed China’s readiness to “strengthen alignment of development strategies” with Italy and forge a “more stable and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership.”

He also pledged greater access for Italian companies to the Chinese market via expos and other platforms.

“China also expects Italy to provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest in Italy,” Li added.

For her part, Meloni said that during the meeting, the two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue in all areas of mutual interest.

She wrote on US social media company X that the two sides discussed ways to promote the balanced development of trade and reciprocal investments.

In 2019, Italy became the only member of the Group of Seven nations to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative, but exited the global infrastructure development project in 2023.

The China-Italy bilateral trade volume has climbed to over $80 billion.