A Participatory, Just, and Transparent Presidency for Real Climate Action
Türkiye’s Presidency and hosting of COP31 are not only a diplomatic responsibility at the global level, they are also a significant opportunity to open the door to a just, lasting, and socially embraced transformation in response to the climate crisis within the country. For this opportunity to deliver meaningful and effective outcomes, it is essential that the COP31 process is guided by a vision that prioritises climate, people and nature.
As Climate Network Türkiye, we expect Türkiye to implement the following core principles and approaches within the scope of its COP31 Presidency:
1. Participatory and Democratic Climate Governance
As a requirement of being a democratic state governed by the rule of law, all policy areas, including climate policies, must be shaped on a participatory basis. The COP31 Presidency and hosting process should be carried out using a governance approach that meaningfully and continuously includes civil society, local governments, professional associations, trade unions, academia, and affected communities in decision-making. This approach will enhance the legitimacy of COP31 and contribute to increased societal ownership of Türkiye’s climate policies.
2. A Just and Balanced Negotiation Platform
The COP31 Presidency is expected to establish a balanced and fair negotiation framework between countries that have historically contributed the most to the climate crisis and those that are least responsible yet suffer the most severe impacts. Türkiye should contribute to strengthening an approach in global climate negotiations that places climate justice at its core. This approach should centre the differentiated responsibilities, varying capacities and levels of vulnerability. It should also prevent developing countries from postponing climate action on the grounds of development rights and access to finance; it should demand that developed countries assume responsibility for the fastest and maximum emissions reductions. This stance is critical for the credibility and effectiveness of the multilateral climate regime.
3. A Clear and Determined Stance on the Fossil Fuel Phase-Out
The COP31 Presidency should demonstrate a clear, determined, and irreversible political commitment to phasing out fossil fuels globally. A climate pathway aligned with scientific evidence requires the gradual but decisive phase-out of coal, oil and gas-based production and consumption models within a timeline compatible with net-zero targets, while ensuring a just transition. Türkiye’s leadership in this area will be decisive not only for international negotiations but also for the transformation of domestic energy and development policies. The first concrete step should be a formal announcement ending new investments in coal power plants. True leadership would require announcing a clear timeline for phasing out coal from electricity generation.
4. Transparency and Accountability
Transparency must be a fundamental principle at all stages of the COP31 process. The preparation process, priorities, negotiation positions, and decisions taken should be shared openly with the public. Effective mechanisms for access to information and feedback must be established. Transparency will enhance both the credibility of the COP31 Presidency and the public ownership of the process. In this context, a key priority is to include business associations, environmental, labour, human rights, youth and consumer organisations, alongside groups representing those most affected by climate change, within the Climate Change and Adaptation Coordination Council (İDUKK), which is one of our country’s key governance structures in the field of climate change.
If Türkiye’s hosting of COP31 is realised in line with these principles, it will not be limited to organising a global climate summit. It can mark the beginning of a just, inclusive, and lasting transformation in the country’s fight against the climate crisis. As Climate Network, we stand ready to help ensure that COP31 is shaped by strong political will, collective wisdom, and a commitment to real climate action.