When the world gathers in Antalya in November 2026 for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, the man at the center of the negotiations will be Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change. Appointed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Kurum will serve as president of COP31, guiding talks among nearly 200 countries on the future of global climate action.
The role places Kurum at the helm of the world’s most consequential climate forum, responsible for steering negotiations on emissions reductions, climate finance, adaptation, and the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
From Engineer to Climate Diplomat
Born in Ankara in 1976, Murat Kurum trained as a civil engineer before entering public service through Türkiye’s housing and urban development institutions. His early career included leadership roles in state-linked housing and real estate organizations, including the country’s Housing Development Administration and Emlak Konut, where he oversaw major urban development initiatives.
In 2018, Kurum was appointed Minister of Environment and Urbanization, placing him in charge of policies related to urban planning, environmental protection, and climate strategy. After a period serving in parliament and running for mayor of Istanbul, he returned to the ministry in 2024 when the government consolidated environmental, urbanisation, and climate portfolios under a single ministry.
His career has been closely tied to Türkiye’s rapid urban transformation and infrastructure expansion. As minister, Kurum has increasingly taken on responsibilities related to climate policy, including adaptation planning, urban resilience, and environmental regulation.
Securing COP31 for Türkiye
Türkiye’s path to hosting COP31 was not guaranteed. Ankara competed for years with Australia to host the summit before a diplomatic compromise emerged during the COP30 negotiations in Brazil. The agreement cleared the way for Türkiye to host the conference in Antalya while Australia will play a role supporting the negotiation process.
Murat Kurum played a central role in the diplomatic campaign to secure the summit, engaging with governments and UN climate stakeholders to build support. The outcome marks the first time Türkiye will host the world’s largest climate conference.
A Defining Moment for Türkiye’s Climate Leadership
COP31 arrives at a pivotal moment for the global climate agenda. Countries are under mounting pressure to strengthen their Nationally Determined Contributions, accelerate the energy transition, and expand climate finance for vulnerable regions.
For Türkiye, hosting the summit represents both opportunity and scrutiny. As COP president, Kurum will be expected to broker consensus between developed and developing economies while demonstrating that Türkiye itself is advancing credible climate policies.
Murat Kurum has framed the summit as an opportunity to bridge the priorities of the Global North and Global South, positioning Türkiye as a diplomatic connector between regions.
The Road to Antalya
When delegates arrive in Antalya in late 2026, the stakes will be high. COP31 is expected to focus on closing the gap between global climate pledges and real-world emissions trajectories while accelerating financing for adaptation and resilience.
For Murat Kurum, the conference will be the defining test of his political career. Success will depend on his ability to navigate the complex intersection of climate science, geopolitics, and economic development while building trust among nations with very different visions of the energy transition.
As COP31 president, Kurum will not simply host the summit. He will help determine whether the next phase of global climate diplomacy moves from promises to measurable progress.
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