COP31 President Murat Kurum: Picture courtesy of Varia Pekuku Omoa | ANTALYA, TÜRKİYE
The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference has officially opened in Antalya, Türkiye, with world leaders being urged to turn climate commitments into meaningful action.
Opening the summit, COP31 President Murat Kurum called on countries to move beyond promises and focus on delivering practical solutions as the world faces growing climate, economic and environmental challenges.
Mr Kurum described COP31 as an Implementation COP, emphasising the need to translate climate commitments into tangible results while keeping the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature target at the centre of global climate action.
He also highlighted the importance of increased investment in renewable energy, cleaner transport, energy efficiency and resilient infrastructure.
Meanwhile, COP31 President of Negotiations Chris Bowen said the summit provides an opportunity for countries to strengthen international cooperation, unlock climate finance and improve global energy security.
The opening day’s thematic focus is on food, agriculture and health, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on food security, farmers and vulnerable communities.
For Pacific Island nations, the focus remains on ensuring global climate commitments translate into practical action to protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change.
