Uğur İbrahim Altay, President of the World Organization of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), Mayor of Konya Metropolitan Municipality and COP31 Special Envoy for Local and Regional Governments, took part in numerous events on the first day of the conference.
Altay attended the COP31 opening ceremony in the morning alongside COP31 President and Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum. Following the ceremony, he delivered the opening remarks at a session titled “Strengthening Local Democracy and Multilevel Action” at the UCLG Pavilion.
Highlighting the role of local and regional governments in tackling climate change, Altay said they should not be regarded merely as implementing partners.
“Local and regional governments are not simply implementing partners. They are political institutions with democratic mandates, responsibility for essential public services and direct knowledge of their communities’ needs. Their experience is indispensable in setting priorities, assessing climate risks and selecting investments that will deliver the greatest impact,” he said.
Altay later attended the opening ceremony of the UCLG Pavilion. Speaking at the event, he outlined his responsibilities and objectives as a special representative of the COP31 Presidency.
“I see my responsibility as helping strengthen the political link between the COP31 Presidency and the organized global community of local and regional governments. I aim to bring the priorities and common positions of local and regional governments to my discussions with the COP31 Presidency and its partners, while also ensuring that the concerns and views expressed by national governments are conveyed to our networks,” he said.
Altay then joined Minister Kurum for the opening of the COP31 Green Zone before attending the opening of the Konya stand, which showcases the city and presents climate and environmental projects by the Metropolitan Municipality, district municipalities and civil society organizations.
Speaking at the opening, Altay said he had attended COP conferences in many parts of the world but found Türkiye’s hosting of the event particularly impressive.
“The preparations, both in terms of the venue and organization, will make a significant contribution to our country. I would like to thank our host, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, COP31 President and Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, and Mr. Halil Erdoğan for his support in establishing this stand. Konya is also represented here, and we are showcasing our city in the best possible way,” he said.
Describing Konya’s participation in COP31 as highly successful, Altay added:
“We have created spaces that showcase the history of Anatolian civilizations through the Garden of Anatolian Civilizations, alongside our gastronomy and exhibition stand. We hope to be a good partner throughout the event. Over the next two weeks, we will continue promoting Konya and working to secure new opportunities for our city. I hope the conference brings benefits to both our country and our city.”
The event was attended by UCLG Secretary General Emilia Saiz, Karatay Mayor Hasan Kılca, Meram Mayor Mustafa Kavuş, Selçuklu Mayor Ahmet Pekyatırmacı and numerous other guests.
As part of the COP31 program, Altay also visited the country pavilions and met with international participants.
COP31, which will address climate change and global climate policies, will continue until November 20, with representatives from 196 parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change taking part.
