Turkey prepares for COP31 with youth summits and scientific research

Turkey is preparing for the COP31 United Nations Climate Change Conference with several initiatives focused on youth diplomacy, scientific research, and social awareness.

As part of the preparations, the NextGenCOP30.5: Climate Summit and Youth Diplomacy Simulation will be held from August 27 to September 1, 2026, on Democracy and Freedom Island near Istanbul. Organized by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Cemre Foundation, and Istanbul Technical University, the program will host 200 delegates to negotiate a draft climate agreement covering mitigation, climate finance, and adaptation.

Dokuz Eylül University is contributing to COP31 through 94 scientific works, including 57 research projects and 15 international cooperation proposals, focusing on themes such as circular economy, food security, and clean energy transition. Additionally, the COP31 thematic program for the main conference in Antalya (November 9–20, 2026) has been announced, featuring a World Leaders Climate Action Summit.

Social initiatives are also underway, including the Zero Waste Foundation’s Mother-Child Zero Waste Program and environmental awareness activities for children in state care, aimed at fostering sustainability and environmental rights from an early age.