Call to Action at COP17 and COP31 Goals from Minister Kurum

Participating via video message in UNCCD COP17 held in Mongolia, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and COP31 President Murat Kurum emphasized that concrete steps must be taken against desertification and land degradation, issuing a global call to action.

Video Message to the COP17 Conference

Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and COP31 President Murat Kurum sent a video message to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification held in Mongolia. In his message, he detailed Turkey's efforts to combat desertification and land degradation.

Past Experiences and the Ankara Initiative

Recalling that Turkey successfully hosted COP12 in 2015, Minister Kurum stated that they have provided strong support for developing countries to achieve their goals through the Ankara Initiative.

Rio Conventions and the Synergy Protocol

Emphasizing that desertification, climate change, and biodiversity loss are not independent crises, Kurum drew attention to the absolute necessity of increasing cooperation among the Rio Conventions and announced the signing of the Rio Synergy Protocol.

Approach of the COP31 Presidency

Stating that they have built the COP31 Presidency on three main pillars—dialogue, consensus, and action—Minister Kurum clearly expressed that they now want action, not just words, in the global arena.

Priorities for the Summit in Antalya

Making an international call for the COP31 summit to be held in Antalya in November, Kurum noted that clean energy transformation, Zero Waste, climate-resilient cities, food security, green industrialization, and Rio synergies are the primary priority areas.