ÇAKÜ at the Panel on Türkiye’s Climate Diplomacy

Çankırı Karatekin University (ÇAKÜ) participated in the panel “From Zero Waste to COP31: Türkiye’s Climate Diplomacy,” organized by the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, with university representatives attending to follow developments in sustainability and efforts to combat climate change.

Çankırı Karatekin University was represented at the panel titled “From Zero Waste to COP31: Türkiye’s Climate Diplomacy,” held in Ankara on 27 October 2026. The event, hosted at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency, opened with remarks by COP31 President and Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum and Presidential Director of Communications Prof. Dr. Burhanettin Duran.

ÇAKÜ Represented by Its Academic Staff

Representing Çankırı Karatekin University at the event were Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Kuşvuran, Chair of the Waste Management Advisory Board; board members Prof. Dr. Umut Pekin Timur and Lecturer Dr. Elif Paçal; and faculty members Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilek Öcalan from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammed Bora Akın from the Faculty of Engineering.

Türkiye’s Climate Policies and COP31 Preparations Discussed

The panel addressed Türkiye’s climate change policies, the achievements of the Zero Waste Movement, the circular economy, resource efficiency, and developments in international climate diplomacy. Discussions also covered preparations for COP31, which will be held in Antalya, the priorities on the global climate agenda, and efforts to strengthen international cooperation.

In his address, COP31 President and Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of the Zero Waste Movement. He stated that Türkiye’s recycling rate had risen from 13% in 2017 to 37% in 2025, adding that 90 million tonnes of waste had been recovered to date, generating an estimated economic contribution of approximately TRY 365 billion.

Kurum emphasized that key priorities for COP31 would include zero waste, climate-resilient agriculture, water resource conservation, clean energy, and sustainable cities.

Presidential Director of Communications Prof. Dr. Burhanettin Duran noted that climate change is not merely an environmental problem but a global issue with implications for international cooperation, foreign policy, and security. He stressed the importance of developing common policies to address climate change and translating international commitments into concrete action.

“Climate Diplomacy” Book

As part of the program, the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency introduced Climate Diplomacy, a book published in both Turkish and English. The publication aims to examine Türkiye’s approach to combating climate change and its role in international climate diplomacy.

ÇAKÜ Continues to Contribute to Sustainability and Climate Initiatives

Çankırı Karatekin University continues to contribute to developments in sustainability, zero waste, environmental management, and climate action through its academic research and projects.

The university’s participation in the panel provided an opportunity to examine current climate policies and developments in the COP31 process from an academic perspective, connect scientific research with national climate policies, and strengthen cooperation among institutions.