This year, Türkiye will host a series of international conferences that will have a significant regional and global impact. Among them are the NATO Summit scheduled for July, the COP31 in November, and the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in October.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had previously announced that the 2026 NATO Summit will be held on 7–8 July at the Presidential Complex in Beştepe, Ankara.
The Secretary General said, "I want to thank Türkiye for hosting this important meeting. Türkiye has been a strong NATO Ally for more than 70 years, making invaluable contributions to our shared security. At our next Summit, leaders will continue to make NATO a stronger, fairer and more lethal Alliance, ready to respond to the critical challenges to our security.''
Türkiye will be hosting a NATO summit for the second time, following the 2004 Summit in İstanbul. NATO summits bring Allied leaders together to make decisions on critical issues facing the Alliance.
COP31
Türkiye will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya on 9–20 November this year.
The conference organisers are striving to transform it into a "conference of implementation" rather than merely a forum for making new commitments and pressuring governments to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
International Astronautical Congress (IAC)
The 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) is set to take place in Antalya on 5–9 October, marking the first time in history that the event will be hosted in Türkiye.
Known for its rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, breathtaking Mediterranean coastline, and vibrant innovation ecosystem, Antalya will offer a unique backdrop to one of the world’s most prestigious space gatherings.
The IAC is an annual meeting that brings together all stakeholders across the global space industry. The event attracts more than 6,000 participants each year.
Covering all sectors and topics of the space industry, the Congress offers participants the latest information and developments in academia and industry, as well as opportunities to network with the global space community and explore potential partnerships.