Turkish Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum has emphasized the critical role of the private sector in combating climate change, describing the upcoming COP31 summit as a pivotal turning point for the business world. Speaking at the "COP31 Business Forum - Turkish Business World Consultation Meeting," the minister highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Minister Kurum noted that the close cooperation with the business community during the reconstruction of cities following the devastating earthquakes on February 6, 2023, has yielded significant, tangible results. He stressed that the decisions made during that period were not merely intentions but were successfully translated into concrete actions.
The minister pointed to Turkey's domestic electric vehicle, "Togg", as a prime example of this successful collaboration. He described "Togg" as a symbol of eco-friendly, climate-conscious, and next-generation technology. Turkey now aims to apply this model of strong collaboration on a broader scale during the COP31 process.
Minister Kurum stated that COP31 represents more than just an international summit; it is a strategic opportunity for Turkey to showcase the green transformation potential of its real sector to the global community. He emphasized that global trade rules are currently being reshaped around the concept of "green transformation," noting that the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has become a critical factor for exports and market competitiveness.
In his concluding remarks, Minister Kurum called on the business community to finalize their green transformation commitments and concrete projects ahead of COP31. He reminded stakeholders that climate action is no longer solely an environmental policy, but a fundamental driver of competitiveness, export growth, and employment.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These annual summits bring together world leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to assess progress in dealing with climate change and to negotiate legally binding international agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
