Türkiye Says 91 Leaders and Nearly 300 Ministers Will Attend COP31
Murat Kurum says 91 heads of state and government and nearly 300 ministers will attend COP31 in Antalya, up from 85 leaders a week earlier.
Türkiye Says 91 Leaders and Nearly 300 Ministers Will Attend COP31 in Antalya
Türkiye has received confirmations from 91 heads of state and government for COP31, COP31 President Murat Kurum said on Saturday, 31 October. The conference runs 9–20 November in Antalya and is expected to bring together representatives from 196 countries, nearly 300 ministers and around 1.5 million visitors.
A rising count
The count was 85 on 22 October, so it has risen by six in nine days. Earlier reports of a speakers’ list with 77 leaders, published by Climate Home News on 23 October, were an earlier snapshot. Lists may still change before the leaders’ summit on 11–12 November.
Venue and numbers
After inspecting the venue on 22 October, Kurum said applications for 159 pavilions and 90 delegation offices had been approved, the highest number in COP history. The site has a public Green Zone, while official negotiations take place in the Blue Zone, open only to registered participants. He estimated about $2 billion in direct economic activity for Antalya.
Türkiye’s message
Kurum said Türkiye will use the conference to showcase its urban development experience, its reconstruction after the 6 February 2023 earthquakes, and its cooperation with international organisations.
Background
Türkiye presents COP31 as a “future COP” and “implementation COP,” built on dialogue, consensus and action.
Conclusion
Confirmed attendance is trending up as the opening approaches. These are host-government figures, and the final list of leaders and ministers will only be clear once delegations arrive.
