COP31 Opens in Türkiye With Kurdistan Region Joining Global Climate Talks

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Kurdistan Region is participating in the United Nations COP31 climate conference, which opened in Antalya, Türkiye, on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, bringing its concerns over drought, water scarcity and environmental protection into discussions with governments and civil society representatives from around the world.

The conference, scheduled to run until Nov. 20, brings together parties to the UN climate convention, along with scientists, diplomats, activists and other participants seeking stronger international action on climate change.

Kurdistan24's Ammar Najmadin Hawas and Shayma Bayiz Haydar are also at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, Antaliya, Türkiye covering the event.

For the Kurdistan Region, participation provides an opportunity to raise the difficulties associated with increasingly scarce water resources and prolonged dry conditions, and to engage with international discussions about protecting natural environments.

Leaders and Communities Gather in Antalya

A high-level summit of heads of state and government is scheduled for Nov. 11 and 12.

The conference is expected to draw representatives from 196 countries and the European Union, with 91 heads of state or government and nearly 300 ministers reported as confirmed participants.

Thousands of diplomats, researchers and members of official delegations are also expected to attend.

Turkish officials have projected a much larger flow of visitors to the conference area over the event, although that estimate is separate from the number of accredited delegates.

A Kurdistan24 reporting team is in Antalya to cover the proceedings, including the discussions relevant to the Kurdistan Region's environmental priorities.

Alongside national delegations, representatives of the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities (GATC) are attending, including Indigenous community representatives from Cameroon.

They are seeking greater recognition of the role local communities play in defending land, forests and the natural resources on which their livelihoods depend.

Buba Balkisou, a Cameroonian human rights and environmental activist, said her delegation wanted climate decisions to lead to practical measures rather than remain commitments made at international meetings.

"Our goal is to turn all the policies and decisions made at this important event into action," Balkisou said.

She described a proposal called the "Life Project," which her group hopes conference participants will endorse, and linked environmental protection to the concerns of women and local communities.

Climate Action Beyond the Conference

Mel Caraway, an American environmental justice adviser attending with a nonprofit faith-based organization, also emphasized participation beyond government institutions.

"We all live on one planet, and everyone's voice needs to be heard because our destinies on this planet are linked together," Caraway said.

He argued that discussion of environmental protection should extend beyond formal conferences into schools, families, community gatherings and religious settings.

The two activists brought different perspectives to Antalya, but both called for climate policy to reach people in their everyday lives.

Their interventions highlight the involvement of local communities and civil society alongside government negotiators.

For the Kurdistan Region, the central question is how participation in the international forum can help advance responses to drought and water shortages, as well as wider efforts to preserve its environment.

COP31 offers a setting in which those concerns can be communicated to international decision-makers.

Whether the discussions lead to practical cooperation or specific support for the Region will depend on developments during and after the conference.

Kurdistan24's correspondent Shayma Bayiz Haydar contributed to this report.