Turkey's Universities Mobilize for COP31 Climate Conference

Afyon Kocatepe University (AKU) held an online briefing on July 31, 2026, led by Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Şuayıp Özdemir and Sustainability Coordinator Prof. Dr. Emine Hesna Kandır, to guide faculty and students on submitting projects for the UN COP31 summit in Antalya (Nov 9‑20, 2026). Participants were told that applications will be collected in a single form via the rectorate and forwarded through the Higher Education Council (YÖK). Projects must align with climate themes such as zero waste, ocean health, food security, climate‑resilient cities and strengthening climate action, and will be presented in English.

The Council of Higher Education announced a national launch on August 4, 2026, together with the Ministry of Environment, City and Climate Change, to coordinate contributions from Turkey’s 208 universities. The event outlined a unified academic participation model aimed at consolidating research, technological solutions and international collaborations for COP31, positioning Turkey’s higher‑education system as a key partner in global climate efforts.