Berdimuhamedov Reaffirms Turkmenistan’s Climate Commitments at COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Antalya
Antalya, The Gulf Observer: On 11 November 2026, the second day of his working visit to the Republic of Türkiye, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, took part in the Leaders’ Summit of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31). At the summit, Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to its international climate obligations.
The forum gathered heads of state and government and ministers from around 200 countries. Heads of international organisations, environmental experts, and representatives of the business community and civil society also attended.
A Broad Agenda for Global Climate Action
The conference agenda covers food security, agriculture, healthcare, energy, transport, trade and finance, science and education, and industry and technology. Discussions also address stronger national commitments to sustainable urban development and emissions reduction, the implementation of previously reached agreements, and social and cultural programmes.
Berdimuhamedov at COP31: Welcomed by Guterres and Erdoğan
At the Antalya EXPO Center, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warmly welcomed the Turkmen leader, and the three took a joint photograph.
After the official photo session of the heads of delegations, the opening ceremony of COP31 took place. Performances by Turkish cultural figures and artists, along with video presentations, preceded the opening.
UN Chief Calls for Faster Practical Action
In his welcoming remarks, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the forum’s importance in tackling the most pressing challenges of our time. He warned that climate change is progressing faster than the measures being implemented to address it. He urged the international community to take more effective practical action.
Statements delivered at the forum focused on fulfilling national climate commitments and moving to environmentally friendly energy sources. Speakers gave particular attention to introducing circular economy standards and zero-waste industrial principles, and to reducing methane emissions into the atmosphere.
Turkmenistan Stands by the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement
In his address to the plenary session of the Leaders’ Summit, Berdimuhamedov thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the invitation to COP31, for the hospitality extended, and for the high level of organisation of the event.
He said Turkmenistan sees the forum as an important step towards building mutual trust on climate change issues. He also described it as a chance to turn global climate dialogue into a driving force for global development.
Berdimuhamedov noted that, under its National Climate Strategy, Turkmenistan remains firmly committed to fulfilling its international obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. Delegates listened to his address with great attention. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan has published the full text of the speech.
After completing the programme of his working visit, the National Leader of the Turkmen People went to Antalya International Airport and departed for his homeland.
Turkmenistan’s National Pavilion Highlights Environmental Efforts
Turkmenistan’s national pavilion at COP31 showcased the country’s extensive work on environmental protection and combating climate change. It added a practical dimension to the commitments set out by Berdimuhamedov at COP31.
