Mediterranean Climate Summit in Muğla

The Mediterranean Climate Summit was held in Muğla, Turkey, on September 28-29, 2026. Organized by the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and ICLEI Europe, the event addressed urgent climate risks in the Mediterranean basin, such as extreme temperatures, droughts, forest fires, floods, and water scarcity.

Participants from three continents—including local administrators, academics, and climate experts—focused on the necessity of regional cooperation, technical capacity building, and improved access to climate project financing. Experts emphasized that the Mediterranean is a critical area where the effects of climate change are already deeply felt, impacting urban economies, agriculture, and coastal ecosystems.

Alongside the main summit, the “Towards COP31: Local Climate Action Policy Dialogue” was conducted to discuss the role of local governments in achieving global climate goals. This dialogue underscored that municipalities should be viewed as “essential partners in policy creation rather than just implementers.” The session explored themes such as climate justice, inclusive transformation, and the localization of climate finance, with representatives from the United Nations and UCLG MEWA advocating for the translation of global goals into measurable local actions.

To further environmental awareness, the event also included educational initiatives, such as 3D immersive experiences for students regarding marine ecosystems. During the discussions, Prof. Dr. Pınar Okyay of the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality advocated for transforming the Mediterranean into a ‘living climate laboratory’ to allow solutions developed in one city to be adapted by others. Additionally, UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi stressed the importance of aligning municipal priorities with global funds and private sector resources.