I extend my sincere appreciation to all Heads of State and Government who joined us in Antalya for the COP31 Leaders’ Summit. At a time of profound international challenges, your decision to come together and deliver your messages in person carries particular significance. Your presence has demonstrated political commitment to climate action and confidence in our ability to address shared challenges through cooperation.
I also thank all Parties, international organisations, multilateral development banks and partners for their active contributions to the Summit. The perspectives you have brought, and your willingness to engage constructively, have given valuable encouragement to the work of COP31. Our Presidency will carry this spirit forward with close attention to the concerns and priorities of all Parties.
As the Paris Agreement enters its second decade, our exchanges have reaffirmed that addressing climate change is both a scientific necessity and a moral imperative. Our responsibility extends to people whose lives are already affected, to future generations, and to the world which our societies and economies depend.
I have been encouraged by the broad common ground in the discussions. Countries have brought different experiences, priorities and national circumstances to Antalya, yet these differences have left considerable room for convergence. This provides a valuable basis for continued dialogue and cooperation throughout COP31 and beyond.
It is particularly encouraging to see this common ground reflected in the priorities of the COP31 Action Agenda. High-level events during the Summit provided opportunities for substantial discussions on electrification, implementation, green industrialisation, resilience, zero waste and climate finance. Events also brought attention to the priorities of Africa, the Pacific and other regions, recognising the importance of advancing climate action in ways that respond to development needs and national circumstances.
Recent natural disasters and the loss of lives and livelihoods highlight the human urgency of our work. I express my solidarity with affected communities and those supporting their recovery. Their experiences underline the importance of advancing resilience and adaptation alongside mitigation, including through stronger early warning systems and better protection for those most exposed to climate risks. These concerns must remain central as we pursue the opportunities offered by electrification, green industrialisation and sustainable development.
The summit also highlighted the importance of access to finance for those who need it most, which is why the Climate Implementation Bridge is receiving much support. The emphasis remains on translating existing commitments into tangible progress through closer cooperation between countries, financial institutions and partners, with support directed towards country-led action on adaptation, resilience and sustainable development.
COP31 has been conceived as a COP of implementation. In this spirit, I welcome the support expressed for the 35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge. Many leaders spoke to the opportunity of electrification, and several countries have already joined. Expanding electrification can support energy security and development, with countries pursuing pathways suited to their needs and priorities.
Through our leadership of the COP31 Action Agenda, we have sought to give implementation greater political prominence and bring governments and partners together around practical solutions. As we advance the implementation of the Paris Agreement, we hope that closer cooperation between those setting national priorities and those helping to deliver them will form a lasting contribution of this Presidency.
The partnership between Türkiye and Australia is itself an expression of confidence in multilateralism. Bringing together countries from distant regions, with different circumstances and challenges, it demonstrates the value of cooperation in a shared endeavour. I am grateful for this partnership and for the engagement of Pacific Island countries in the COP31 process, in particular our Pre-COP hosts Tuvalu and Fiji.
Sustained implementation will require contributions from across our societies. Governments provide direction through national priorities and policies, while businesses, financial institutions, local authorities and civil society bring resources, expertise and experience that can help turn those priorities into action. I welcome their engagement and the opportunities for cooperation that the Action Agenda offers in support of country-led efforts.
As negotiations continue, I encourage all Parties to carry forward the constructive spirit of the Leaders’ Summit. The political commitment demonstrated in Antalya offers encouragement for the work ahead under the Paris Agreement. Let us build on that commitment, sustain our efforts towards implementation and keep 1.5°C within reach.