Türkiye outlines ‘COP of the Future’ vision with new partnership model and action-driven agenda

The incoming presidency of COP31 under the UNFCCC has outlined an ambitious roadmap to strengthen global climate action, with a sharp focus on implementation, inclusivity, and renewed multilateral cooperation as climate risks intensify.

In a letter dated April 13, the President-Designate appointed by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned that the world is entering a “decisive period” for climate action, stressing the need for concrete and coordinated global steps as impacts deepen.

Positioning Türkiye as a bridge-builder, the presidency aims to bring countries together, rebuild trust in multilateral processes, and build on past progress under the UN climate framework and the Paris Agreement. It also highlighted continuity with previous summits, including COP30 Belém, and the “Troika approach” linking Brazil, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye for stability.

A key highlight is a new Türkiye–Australia partnership model. While Türkiye will host COP31 in Antalya and lead the overall presidency, Australia—represented by Chris Bowen—will take charge of negotiations, marking a shift from traditional COP structures.

The presidency has proposed a “COP of the Future,” guided by three pillars—Dialogue, Consensus, and Action—aimed at turning climate commitments into measurable outcomes. Its broad Action Agenda includes clean energy transition, low-carbon industrialisation, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and stronger financial systems.

It also emphasises inclusive participation, involving civil society, businesses, youth, and local governments. Key appointments include Samed Ağırbaş as Climate High-Level Champion and Sally Higgins as Youth Climate Champion.

Looking ahead, a Pre-COP meeting is planned in Fiji in October 2026, with a leaders’ event in Tuvalu to incorporate diverse global perspectives.

For developing nations like India, the focus on implementation, finance, and measurable outcomes aligns with long-standing priorities, especially on climate finance, technology transfer, and equitable responsibility under global agreements.