COP31 Climate Summit and Leaders Meeting Begin in Antalya

The COP31 Climate Summit and Leaders Summit held in Antalya began under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Bringing together 196 countries party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the European Union, the main theme of the first day of the summit was "Zero Waste".

According to the statement by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the Leaders Summit, which is the most important event of the organization held at the COP31 Venue between November 9-20, is taking place in the Anadolu Hall in the Blue Zone. Guest leaders were welcomed at the summit venue by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Following the official reception and family photo session, the leaders began presenting their national statements regarding climate policies.

Prior to the summit, the Ministry of National Defense Mehteran Unit played marches, and some foreign participants created colorful scenes by matching the rhythm. As part of the program, special clips prepared by Turkey for COP31 and folk dance performances by the Fire of Anatolia troupe were screened.

President Erdoğan and UN Secretary-General Guterres planted olive saplings at the summit area on the occasion of November 11 National Afforestation Day. At the summit, where participation from numerous countries across 6 continents is expected, Turkey's climate vision as well as global climate policies are being discussed.