Türkiye regulations · 23 October 2026
Antalya COP31 preparations: 85 leaders have confirmed participation
The ministry’s 22 October update outlines meeting facilities, transport arrangements and Zero Waste preparations ahead of COP31 on 9–20 November.
Preparations for COP31, scheduled for 9–20 November in Antalya, have reached their final stage, according to a Turkish environment ministry report dated 22 October 2026. COP31 President and Environment Minister Murat Kurum inspected the conference site with Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi and attended a coordination meeting. The announcement updates the summit timetable and on-site preparations. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop31-baskani-kurum-kasim-ayinda-dunya-turkiye-den-sesini-duyuracak-307077)
Leaders’ Summit scheduled for 11–12 November
Kurum said the Leaders’ Summit would take place on 11–12 November and that 85 leaders had confirmed participation by the announcement date. Citing information from United Nations officials, he said approximately 300 ministers were also expected to visit Türkiye. The country will host the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for the first time. The ministry notes that COP meetings bring together more than 190 countries to discuss climate policies. The participation figures describe pre-summit arrangements, not completed visits. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop31-baskani-kurum-kasim-ayinda-dunya-turkiye-den-sesini-duyuracak-307077)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Separate spaces for negotiations and public activities
According to Kurum, the 1.1-million-square-metre site is divided into Blue and Green zones. Applications for 159 pavilions and 90 delegation offices have been approved for the Blue Zone, which will host leaders, delegations and climate negotiations. Two plenary halls, 28 meeting rooms and six special-event spaces are ready. A media centre has been established to serve 4,000 journalists, with 3,000 media representatives already accredited. Exhibitions, events, children’s spaces and technology-focused activities are planned for the Green Zone. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop31-baskani-kurum-kasim-ayinda-dunya-turkiye-den-sesini-duyuracak-307077)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Transport and Zero Waste preparations
More than one million visitors are expected at the site during the conference. Kurum said transport would operate through seven road routes and a tram line, with 630 additional vehicles being deployed. Participants are to reach a main transfer point on low-emission buses before continuing to the venue in electric vehicles and shuttles. He also said the waste-free kitchen and Zero Waste museum were ready. The villages of Solak, Demirciler and Ormana are being prepared as Zero Waste villages under the governor’s coordination. The announcement provides no quantified emissions reduction for the transport arrangements. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop31-baskani-kurum-kasim-ayinda-dunya-turkiye-den-sesini-duyuracak-307077)
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Infrastructure intended to outlast the summit
Kurum said more than 35,000 square metres of permanent structures had been built in the Blue Zone alone. Renewed roads and strengthened transport connections are intended to continue serving Antalya, while the site is expected to accommodate fairs and congresses. The presidency’s stated ambition is a COP that turns climate commitments into practical implementation. These statements concern preparation status and future objectives: the report does not announce new legislation, an adopted negotiating decision or new obligations for businesses. [Source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop31-baskani-kurum-kasim-ayinda-dunya-turkiye-den-sesini-duyuracak-307077)
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