Presidency’s Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran made statements to Anadolu Agency on the sidelines of the Leaders’ Summit of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), held in Antalya.
Stating that the COP31 Leaders’ Summit was proceeding well, Head of Communications Duran noted that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had held bilateral meetings with heads of state and government of the participating countries on the sidelines of the summit.
Referring to President Erdoğan’s address at the opening of the COP31 Leaders’ Summit and the response it had received, Head of Communications Duran said:
“Our President’s address at the COP31 Leaders’ Summit was highly significant, and it was frequently referred to during the bilateral meetings as well. The leaders he met with thanked our President for two particular points he made in his address. The first was the issue of climate justice, particularly his remarks about how we share one sky and one earth and must protect them. His message was directed not only at Türkiye or the region, but at the entire world. This attracted considerable attention. The second was our President’s powerful message highlighting the genocide in Gaza. I did not see a single leader who failed to mention it. Our President spoke of the genocide in Gaza, but he also pointed out that the destruction of olive trees amounted to an environmental catastrophe. This has caused discomfort on the Israeli side. That is of no importance whatsoever. Our President, who truly gives voice to humanity, has consistently stood up for Gaza and the Palestinian cause whenever necessary, bringing every aspect of the issue to the fore. Of course, the fact that he addressed this issue while the eyes of the entire world were on the summit demonstrates the importance we attach to the Palestinian cause. It also reflects our President’s sensitivity towards the Palestinian issue.”
“I believe COP31 is already proving highly successful”
Noting that some developing countries faced a heavier burden when it came to climate action, Head of Communications Duran continued:
"On the one hand, these countries need to develop, while on the other, they have financial and technological needs in tackling climate change. Therefore, ensuring justice in this regard is extremely important. Another key consideration, of course, is translating these efforts into concrete action. I believe it is particularly valuable that the COP31 Summit in Antalya is focusing on concrete implementation. As you know, Türkiye has set a very tangible example in this field under the leadership of the Her Excellency First Lady Emine Erdoğan. The Zero Waste Movement has been remarkably successful and has attracted worldwide attention. We also know that the United Nations has taken action in this regard. All of these have been highly significant developments. I believe COP31 is already proving highly successful.”
Head of Communications Duran stated that Türkiye’s hosting of COP31 this year, following the NATO and Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) summits, was significant in terms of its diplomatic influence.
“Directorate of Communications has organised five panels and prepared three books”
Emphasising that the Directorate of Communications had undertaken extensive and comprehensive activities at the COP31 Summit, Head of Communications Duran said, "The Directorate of Communications has a sizeable pavilion at the summit venue. Our pavilion will remain open to participants until 20 November. As the Directorate of Communications, we have organised five panels during the summit. We have also prepared three books. The first, Climate Diplomacy, is available in both Turkish and English. The second covers Türkiye’s COP31 experience, while the third is a Glossary of Climate Terms. We also have a publication on Zero Waste, an initiative led by First Lady Emine Erdoğan. In addition, we have prepared a special COP31 issue of our Directorate’s Ayın Tarihi (History of the Month) journal.”
Head of Communications Duran noted that Anadolu Agency and TRT played an active role at the COP31 Summit and wished both institutions success in their work.
Head of Communications Duran toured the Directorate’s pavilion in the Green Zone and received information about the services provided there.
Head of Communications Duran noted that Anadolu Agency and TRT played an active role at the COP31 Summit and wished both institutions success in their work.
Head of Communications Duran toured the Directorate’s pavilion in the Green Zone and received information about the services provided there.
Head of Communications Duran subsequently visited the stand of the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA).
