Erdoğan urges global action as COP31 leaders' summit concludes in Antalya

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned global leaders that humanity is experiencing "one of the deepest existential crises in human history" during his opening address at the COP31 World Leaders Climate Action Summit in Antalya. Speaking to delegates, Erdoğan stated that nations face two options: complain about challenges or take action toward hope, noting Turkey's motivation for assuming the COP31 presidency.

The two-day leaders' segment gathered over 100 heads of state and government, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Representatives from the European Union included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and leaders from select member states. Alongside high-level speeches, Turkey's Directorate of Communications hosted side events focusing on youth and women in climate governance. The leaders' summit concluded as broader climate negotiations continue.

Sources: Anadolu Ajansı (Anadolu Agency), Bianet, Cumhuriyet, Daily Sabah, TRT Haber.