# Turkey COP31 preparations and green transition efforts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-reforestation-project-promotion-for-cop31 > Updated: 2026-10-24T01:05:04.000Z. Sources: 49. Developments: 6. As the COP31 United Nations Climate Change Conference approaches in Antalya (scheduled for November 9–20, 2026), Türkiye is intensifying preparations across environmental, financial, and social sectors. Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the summit is expected to draw significant global participation, including nearly 100 heads of state and up to 30,000 delegates. Minister Murat Kurum has characterized the event as an ‘Implementation COP’ aimed at turning climate commitments into concrete actions. In recent briefings, Kurum reported that 85 heads of state and government have confirmed their participation, alongside approximately 3,000 accredited journalists. To drive engagement, the Minister introduced a 10-point action agenda and six global goals aimed at 2035, as well as the ‘COPArt’ project to use art for climate awareness and the ‘Let’s COP’ song. Preparations are being finalized at the Antalya EXPO Center, which features a 527,000 square meter Blue Zone for official UN negotiations and a 582,000 square meter Green Zone for technology and energy transition activities. A World Leaders Summit is scheduled for November 11–12. Logistical efforts include the use of graphene-infused asphalt on leader routes to reduce carbon emissions. International interest continues to grow. China’s Ambassador to Turkey, Jiang Shubin, noted the potential for strategic cooperation in green energy technologies. Domestically, Minister Kurum emphasized that Türkiye aims to revise its production, employment, industry, and technology to align with these climate goals, viewing the summit as a catalyst for green transformation and international investment. ## Claims - The summit will host approximately 20,000 delegates and 100 heads of state or government. (disputed by 4 sources) - COP31 is expected to attract over 100,000 participants from 196 countries. (disputed) - COP31 will be held in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to November 20, 2026. (corroborated by 12 sources) - The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change is the host of the COP31 summit. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Türkiye İş Bankası will act as a ‘Climate Supporter’ during COP31. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Türkiye İş Bankası plans to showcase its projects in the Green Zone established during the summit. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The COP31 venue at Antalya EXPO Center covers 1.1 million square meters. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Minister Murat Kurum shared the story of Benliahmet Station on social media. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Benliahmet Station is located in the Selim district of Kars. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Railway workers planted pine saplings at the station over 55 years ago. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The saplings have grown into a forest in the middle of the steppe. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: Antalya to host COP31 UN Climate Summit in November 2026 Turkey will host the COP31 UN Climate Summit in Antalya from November 9–20, 2026, expecting up to 100 heads of state and 30,000 delegates at the Antalya EXPO Center. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-prepares-to-host-cop31-climate-summit-in-antalya-3 ### 2026-10-24: Turkish high schools compete in COP31 environmental knowledge contests High schools in Adana and Antalya are competing in COP31-related environmental knowledge contests to promote climate awareness and sustainability among students. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-high-schools-compete-in-cop31-environmental-knowledge-contests ### 2026-10-23: Murat Kurum outlines preparations for COP31 in Antalya Turkey's Environment Minister Murat Kurum announced preparations for the COP31 summit in Antalya, noting participation from 85 heads of state and 3,000 journalists. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/murat-kurum-outlines-preparations-for-cop31-in-antalya ### 2026-10-19: COP31 preparations intensify in Antalya ahead of UN climate summit Türkiye is finalizing preparations for COP31 in Antalya (Nov 9-20, 2026), expecting 100,000+ participants. Key themes include green financing, just transition for workers, and showcasing local gastronomy. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antalya-prepares-for-cop31-with-focus-on-climate-resilience-and-labor-transition ### 2026-10-12: COP31 preparations intensify in Turkey ahead of Antalya summit As Turkey prepares to host COP31 in Antalya, global leaders and domestic sectors are focusing on electrification, green investments, and urban resilience to combat climate change. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benliahmet-station-railway-workers-55-year-reforestation-project ### 2026-10-11: Turgut Ertop’s 1971 reforestation project featured in COP31 documentary Turgut Ertop’s 1971 reforestation project at Benliahmet Station has been featured in a COP31 documentary, highlighting human-nature connections ahead of the climate summit in Antalya, Turkey. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turgut-ertops-1971-reforestation-project-featured-in-cop31-documentary --- Cite as: Turkey COP31 preparations and green transition efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-reforestation-project-promotion-for-cop31