Discussing Türkiye’s Representation in Global Climate Negotiations at the Civil Voices Festival Ahead of COP31

As the Global Climate Academy Association (KİAD), we organized the panel titled “Towards COP31 and Beyond: Engagement with UNFCCC Constituencies in Global Climate Negotiations and Action” on 5 June 2026 as part of the Civil Voices Festival held in Ankara by the Civil Society Development Center (STGM). The panel focused on opportunities and collaboration mechanisms to strengthen civil society representation from Türkiye in global climate negotiations in the lead-up to COP31.

Moderated by KİAD Board Member Yunus Arıkan, the session brought together distinguished representatives from different United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) constituencies at both international and national levels.

The panel featured Jana Merkelbach, Strategic Management Director at Climate Action Network International (CAN-I) and ENGO-CAN Co-Focal Point; Stephen Davison, Executive Director of Cambridge Zero at the University of Cambridge and Co-Coordinator of the Higher Education Climate Network of Networks representing the RINGO constituency; Atif Jawed, External Relations Representative of the European Young Engineers Network and representative of YOUNGO; Selen Doğan, Chair of the Flying Broom Women’s Communication and Research Association and representative of the Women and Gender Constituency (WGC); and Gaye Tuğrulöz, Chair of the Social Climate Association and representative of YOUNGO.

The panel was designed as part of the ongoing collaboration between KİAD and STGM, which has been developed since the beginning of 2026 in preparation for COP31. The discussions built upon the insights and recommendations generated during previous events held on 29 January and 26 March.

Discussions were structured around three key themes: how UNFCCC constituencies are organized globally and engage with their members in Türkiye; the achievements secured to date within climate negotiations and climate action processes; and expectations, priorities, and plans for COP31, including opportunities for greater engagement by stakeholders from Türkiye. Speakers from Türkiye also shared their experiences in building partnerships with international networks, their preparations for COP31, and ways in which this process can create lasting value for local and national climate action efforts.

One of the key conclusions emerging from the panel was the need to increase the visibility of the organizations and individuals representing UNFCCC constituencies in Türkiye. Participants agreed that enhancing transparency and participation is an urgent priority to enable civil society organizations from Türkiye to engage more effectively in the COP31 process.

KİAD will continue to follow up on the recommendations and insights generated through the panel and will maintain its collaboration with STGM and other stakeholders. Through these efforts, KİAD aims to support access to information, capacity development, and meaningful participation in international climate processes throughout the lead-up to COP31 and beyond.