Are We Ready for COP31?

“COP31 will take place in Antalya in November 2026.” Many people in Türkiye know this sentence today. However, almost no one reflects on what this actually means, what it could change, or what kind of opportunity it represents. For most people, COP31 is simply seen as a large international meeting that will take place in Antalya between November 9 and 21. It is perceived as a two-week event with some temporary intensity and visibility, after which everything will return to normal. For much of the business world, the issue is framed even more narrowly: will there be hotel rooms available in Antalya during those dates?

This perspective shows that we are completely missing the bigger picture. Because COP31 is not an event—it is a process. What truly matters is not the two-week meeting itself, but the multi-year period leading up to it and continuing afterward. Since Antalya was announced as the host, climate change has already moved to the top of the agenda in Türkiye. This momentum will peak during the conference but will continue for some time after it ends. In other words, we are entering a “climate window” of roughly two, perhaps even three years.

Such windows do not open often. During this period, the public sector, private sector, media, and society in Türkiye will all focus on climate at the same time. International attention toward Türkiye will increase, and flows of finance, partnerships, technology transfer, and policy discussions will intensify. What would normally take years to build may emerge naturally within a much shorter timeframe. However, to benefit from this momentum, we must ask the right question. The issue is not “What will we do at COP31?” but rather “What will we do until COP31—and after it?”

Today, a significant part of the business world is not yet asking this question. Planning is often limited to being present in Antalya in November. This approach means missing a major opportunity. COP31 offers a unique positioning opportunity, especially for companies aiming to lead in sustainability and climate. These periods are when perceptions are reshaped, standards are defined, and the rules of the game are debated. Those who act early do not merely adapt—they become actors who shape the system.

At this point, it is not enough to approach the issue only at the level of reporting. Companies must develop a more holistic transformation perspective—from supply chains to energy use, from products and services to business models. However, another element is just as important as the transformation itself: making this transformation visible and communicating it effectively. Because COP31 is not only a technical process—it is also a powerful communication arena. Those who communicate clearly, build trust, and demonstrate what they actually do will stand out. This will be decisive not only for reputation, but also for access to finance and international partnerships.

At the same time, this opportunity is not limited to the private sector. Public institutions also have significant potential. Steps taken in areas such as policy development, local governance, urban resilience, water management, and agricultural policy can become more visible during this period. More importantly, these topics can be communicated more effectively to society. One of the most critical aspects of COP31 is its potential to transform how society relates to climate change.

In Türkiye, climate change is still largely perceived as an abstract issue. Its connection to everyday life has not been sufficiently established. A focal point like COP31 can serve as a powerful tool to change this perception. Here, the role of civil society is crucial. Through the right narratives, local stories, and concrete examples, climate change can become part of daily life. Without this, even the best policies will struggle to gain societal traction.

From all these perspectives, COP31 presents a multi-layered opportunity for Türkiye. It offers strategic positioning for the business world, strengthened policy and implementation capacity for the public sector, and deeper societal awareness for civil society. However, this opportunity is temporary. Treating this period merely as preparation for a meeting will leave behind only short-term gains once COP31 ends. If used correctly, however, COP31 could become a genuine turning point for Türkiye.

There is still time—but it is not unlimited. The real question is this:

Will we be mere spectators of this process, or will we become one of the actors shaping it?

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