Erdoğan: Political Commitment at COP31 Can Help Keep Paris Agreement Goals on Track

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urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has described the political commitment demonstrated at the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Antalya as an encouraging step toward advancing the goals of the Paris Agreement, calling on countries to maintain their determination to tackle climate change and keep the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature target within reach.

In a written statement on Thursday, Erdoğan thanked the heads of state and government who attended the summit, saying their participation and direct messages demonstrated a shared commitment to climate action at a time of significant international challenges.

“The political commitment demonstrated in Antalya is encouraging for the work to be carried out under the Paris Agreement. Let us maintain this determination, continue our efforts toward implementation and make the 1.5-degree target achievable,” he said.

Erdoğan also expressed appreciation to participating countries, international organizations, multilateral development banks and other stakeholders for their contributions to the conference, saying their engagement had provided momentum for the negotiations.

He noted that the Paris Agreement had entered its second decade, emphasizing that addressing climate change was not only a scientific necessity but also a moral responsibility toward communities already experiencing its consequences, future generations and the global environment.

Although countries arrived in Antalya with different national circumstances, priorities and experiences, Erdoğan said discussions had demonstrated that common ground could be established through dialogue and cooperation.

He described the outcome as an important foundation for continued collaboration during and beyond COP31.

Electrification and climate finance feature among summit priorities

Erdoğan said the common ground reached during the discussions was reflected in the priorities of the COP31 Action Agenda, which focused on implementation, electrification, green industrialization, resilience, zero waste and climate finance.

High-level meetings held during the summit provided opportunities to discuss how countries could turn climate commitments into practical policies while addressing their individual development needs.

The discussions also highlighted the priorities of Africa, the Pacific and other regions, underlining the importance of ensuring that international climate initiatives take account of different national circumstances.

Referring to recent natural disasters, loss of life and damage to livelihoods, Erdoğan said the consequences of climate change demonstrated the urgent humanitarian need for stronger action.

He expressed solidarity with affected communities and those involved in recovery efforts, stressing the importance of strengthening early warning systems, climate resilience and adaptation measures, particularly in regions most exposed to environmental risks.

“These issues must remain at the center of our efforts as we seize the opportunities offered by electrification, green industrialization and sustainable development,” he said.

The Turkish president also emphasized the need to improve access to climate finance, particularly for countries and communities with the greatest needs.

He welcomed the support received by the Climate Implementation Bridge, a mechanism intended to help translate existing climate commitments into practical results through closer cooperation among governments, financial institutions and other stakeholders.

The initiative is designed to support country-led efforts in adaptation, resilience and sustainable development.

Erdoğan described COP31 as an implementation-focused summit and welcomed backing for the “35×35 Global Electrification Pledge.”

He said electrification had emerged as a significant opportunity during the discussions, with numerous countries joining the initiative. Expanding access to electricity through approaches tailored to national priorities could strengthen energy security while supporting economic and social development, he added.

Türkiye-Australia partnership highlights multilateral cooperation

Erdoğan said Türkiye’s presidency of COP31 had sought to give greater political importance to implementation and bring governments and other stakeholders together around practical solutions.

He expressed hope that the summit would leave a lasting legacy by strengthening cooperation between countries setting national climate priorities and the institutions and organizations responsible for helping implement them.

The president also highlighted the partnership between Türkiye and Australia, describing it as an example of confidence in multilateralism.

Despite their geographical distance and different national circumstances, the two countries had demonstrated that cooperation around shared objectives could help advance international climate efforts, he said.

Erdoğan welcomed the participation of Pacific Island countries in the COP31 process, particularly Tuvalu and Fiji, which hosted the pre-COP meetings.

He stressed that implementing climate policies sustainably required contributions from all sectors of society, rather than governments alone.

While national governments establish priorities and provide direction through policies, businesses, financial institutions, local administrations and civil society organizations can contribute the resources, expertise and experience necessary to turn commitments into action.

Erdoğan welcomed the involvement of these groups in the COP31 Action Agenda, saying their participation could strengthen country-led climate initiatives.

He also called on all parties to preserve the constructive atmosphere established during the Leaders’ Summit as negotiations continue in Antalya.

The remarks reflect Türkiye’s effort to position COP31 around the practical implementation of existing climate commitments, with particular emphasis on electrification, financing and international cooperation.

As the conference continues, the challenge for participating countries will be to translate the political commitments expressed in Antalya into concrete measures that advance the Paris Agreement’s objectives and strengthen global efforts to limit temperature increases.

(Source: Anadolu Agency)