Türkiye regulations · 7 November 2026
COP31 plans outline sustainable operations and accessibility
The ministry announced planned energy, water, waste, transport and accessibility measures for COP31 in Antalya. The announcement describes an operational model, not completed results.
Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change outlined sustainability arrangements for COP31 in Antalya in an announcement dated 6 November 2026. Energy use, waste management and accessibility are intended to feature in the conference’s daily operations, rather than only in panel discussions. The ministry said preparations for the Türkiye-hosted conference were nearing completion. [Official source](https://csb.gov.tr/haberler/cop31-yasayan-bir-iklim-laboratuvari-olacak-307219)
An event model guided by ISO 20121
The ministry said the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change would be organized in line with ISO 20121 standards. The planned model combines low-emission transport, zero waste, water and energy efficiency, and carbon offsetting. Leaders from more than 190 countries are expected to participate. However, the announcement does not report that ISO 20121 certification has been obtained; it presents the standard as a framework for preparing the event, not a completed certification outcome. Official source
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Six practical areas
The sustainability approach will cover six areas: energy use, waste management, food sourcing, travel to the venue, the subsequent use of structures built for the summit, and accessibility. Its scope therefore extends beyond resource use during the event to the later use of conference structures. The announcement provides no numerical energy or water savings targets, emissions reduction figures or waste performance results. These areas describe intended operations rather than measured environmental gains. Official source
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Private-sector participation in the Green Zone
Plans for the Green Zone include thematic panels, technology demonstration spaces, and virtual or augmented reality experiences. Business-to-business meetings, investor discussions, start-up programmes, art activities and practical sustainability solutions are also envisaged. The ministry describes the zone as an experiential space involving the private sector. These are prospective programme elements: the announcement does not report completed investment agreements or provide data on the environmental effects of the solutions to be featured. Official source
Official source: Republic of Türkiye — Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change ↗Accessibility infrastructure planned
Under the principle of leaving no one behind, the ministry plans barrier-free venue design and accessible wayfinding systems. Sign-language interpreters, audio guidance and real-time captioning are also listed. The stated aim is equal and effective participation for all attendees. The announcement describes conference infrastructure and operational arrangements, rather than introducing a new legal obligation. It does not state that the accessibility infrastructure has already been completed. Official source
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