“Urban resilience is one of the most cost-effective climate investments globally,” United Nations Resident Coordinator in Türkiye Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi said at the “Türkiye’s Road to COP31: Resilient Cities Regional Forum” held in Hatay on 8–9 May 2026. Ahonsi delivered the remarks during the High-Level Special Session titled “From the Disaster of the Century to the Construction of Sustainable Cities,” which brought together ministers, international organizations and development partners to discuss climate-resilient urban transformation ahead of COP31, which Türkiye will host in Antalya in 2026.The forum convened representatives from governments, local authorities, international organizations, financial institutions, academia and civil society to explore pathways for resilient, inclusive and low-carbon urban development. Organized under the COP31 vision of “Dialogue – Consensus – Action,” the event focused on strengthening cooperation and advancing practical solutions for cities facing growing climate and disaster risks.COP31 President and Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum emphasized that resilient cities should become a central pillar of the international climate agenda. “We aim to make supporting resilient cities one of the main priorities of the global climate agenda at COP31,” he said, stressing the importance of strengthening green building standards, resilient infrastructure and climate financing mechanisms globally. Kurum also underlined that climate change is no longer only an environmental issue, but one directly affecting human security, economies and daily life. Referring to the reconstruction efforts in the earthquake-affected region, he highlighted Türkiye’s approach based on energy efficiency, sustainability, Zero Waste principles and climate-resilient urban planning. In his remarks, Ahonsi stressed that cities stand “at the intersection of risk, vulnerability and opportunity” and called for climate solutions that are locally implementable and financeable. He emphasized that recovery and reconstruction efforts following the February 2023 earthquakes provide an opportunity to accelerate climate action while strengthening long-term resilience.Ahonsi also highlighted the importance of a “whole-of-government, whole-of-society and whole-of-UN” approach to resilient urban transformation, stressing stronger coordination among national and local authorities, communities, the private sector and international partners.The UN Resident Coordinator also attended the panel on "Energy Efficiency: From Efficiency to Sustainability - Energy Transition in Cities," where they provided reflections on how post-disaster reconstruction processes can serve as a critical accelerator for the transition to net-zero cities, drawing on lessons from Türkiye's ongoing recovery experience in the earthquake-affected region.The programme in Hatay included thematic discussions on adaptation, resilient infrastructure, energy transition and low-carbon cities, examining issues ranging from sustainable mobility and renewable energy integration to disaster-resilient infrastructure and climate-responsive urban governance.The forum also brought together senior representatives from the United Nations system, including Executive Director of UN-Habitat Anacláudia Rossbach, who highlighted Türkiye’s post-earthquake recovery efforts as an important global example of resilience and large-scale reconstruction. Moreover, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), participated in the forum highlighting the importance of coordinated multilateral action for climate-resilient urban transformation.The event concluded with the adoption of the Hatay Declaration, in which participating countries committed to advancing climate-resilient urban transformation, scaling up financing through blended and climate finance instruments, accelerating urban energy transition, and promoting nature-based solutions. The Declaration called for moving "from policy to implementation, from recovery to transformation, and from global commitments to local action," and was presented as a formal input to the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku in May 2026, and COP31 in Antalya scheduled for November 2026. 

We are seriously off-track,” warned the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Türkiye, Babatunde Ahonsi, as global leaders convened at the Istanbul International Water Forum, calling for urgent, scaled-up action on water efficiency to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.Speaking at a high-level panel on water efficiency during the 5th Istanbul International Water Forum, Ahonsi stressed that progress toward SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation must accelerate six-fold to meet 2030 targets, underscoring the growing urgency of water stress, particularly in climate “hotspot” regions such as the Mediterranean.The panel brought together senior government officials, United Nations representatives, and international experts to examine how water efficiency can drive climate resilience, sustainable development, and economic stability.Opening the session, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ebubekir Gizligider emphasized that water is no longer just a resource, but a strategic pillar underpinning food security, energy systems, public health, and ecosystems. He highlighted the need for stronger policy implementation tools, circular approaches, and coordinated action across sectors.Participants agreed that water efficiency is one of the most powerful tools to address climate change while advancing sustainable development. Achieving “more value with less water,” they noted, must be at the core of future policies, linking water, food, energy, and ecosystems.Ahonsi further pointed to a broader “consumption crisis” linked to SDG 12, warning that unsustainable production patterns continue to drive water scarcity. He called for a shift from managing water supply to managing water demand, placing circularity at the center of water management through reuse, recycling, and recovery.Across the panel, speakers highlighted that water efficiency is no longer a purely technical issue but a systemic challenge requiring integrated solutions.FAO Assistant Director-General Viorel Gutu stressed that improving water use in agriculture—where the majority of freshwater is consumed—requires coordinated investments in infrastructure, innovation, climate adaptation, and governance.SESRIC Director-General Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk emphasized the importance of institutional capacity, reliable data, and common indicators, noting that water availability remains uneven while demand continues to rise, particularly across OIC countries.Union for the Mediterranean Deputy Secretary General Joan Borrell described efficiency as the “bridge between ambition and reality,” stressing that solutions exist but require stronger political will, financing, and cooperation to scale.Local action was highlighted as a critical driver of change. Gaziantep Metropolitan Mayor Fatma Şahin shared how Gaziantep has strengthened resilience in the face of rapid population growth, industrial demand, and compounded crises, including earthquakes and displacement. Through infrastructure investments, reduction of water losses, and data-driven planning, the city has significantly expanded water treatment capacity while working to produce more value with less water.At the national level, Director-General General Directorate of Water Management Afire Sever outlined Türkiye’s water efficiency mobilization efforts, including basin-level planning, identification of water deficits, and targeted actions across sectors, supported by awareness campaigns and industry guidelines.Innovation and digital transformation were also identified as key enablers. Mediterranean Water Institue Alain Meyssonnier highlighted the role of predictive models and real-time monitoring in reducing water losses, while stressing the need for integrated data governance systems.Speakers also pointed to the strong interlinkages between water, waste, and consumption patterns. Lara van Druten, Advisory Board Member to the Secretary-General on Zero Waste emphasized that sectors such as food and textiles place significant pressure on water resources, underscoring the importance of circular economy approaches.Throughout the discussion, a clear message emerged: water efficiency must be embedded across all sectors and levels of governance as a central pillar of climate action and sustainable development.Looking ahead to the UN 2026 Water Conference and COP31, to be hosted by Türkiye, participants stressed that water efficiency represents one of the most immediate and cost-effective pathways for green transformation.“We cannot manage what we do not measure,” Ahonsi noted, calling for measurable, verifiable, and scalable solutions to ensure real progress toward 2030 targets.The Forum concluded with a strong call to move from dialogue to implementation, with participants emphasizing that strengthened governance, increased investment, and sustained political commitment will be essential to translate ambition into impact.As water stress intensifies globally, the message from Istanbul was clear: water efficiency is not just part of the solution—it is the foundation for a resilient and sustainable future.  

“By choosing to be part of Model United Nations (MUN), you are sending the powerful message that despite everything that is happening in the world, you still believe that things can get better and that the United Nations (UN) remains a platform where nations come together to pursue peace and do better for humanity,” said the UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye, Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, at the opening of the Hacettepe University Model United Nations Conference (HUMUN 2026) on 30 April.The conference brought together around 1,000 high school and university students from across Türkiye, including international participants, making HUMUN 2026 the largest Model United Nations conference hosted in the country. Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ahonsi commended the organizers and participants, highlighting the importance of dialogue, cooperation and multilateralism at a time of growing global uncertainty, and underscoring the critical role of young people in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony, Dr. Ahonsi commended the organizers and participants, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, cooperation and multilateralism at a time of growing global uncertainty. Addressing the students, he highlighted the critical role of young people in shaping the future and sustaining international cooperation. “You are not just participants in a conference. You are a reminder that multilateralism is not an abstract concept—it is a living idea carried forward by people who still believe in it,” he said.“The world does not need more noise; it needs more understanding. Diplomacy is not about winning arguments; it is about finding a way forward together. By being here, you are already proving that dialogue is still possible, and that it matters” added Ahonsi.  Following the opening ceremony, a high-level panel discussion on COP31 and climate action was held, moderated by Dr. Azer Sumbas from Faculty of Law and advisor to the MUN community. The panel featured Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi; Mr. Samir Becanov, COP29 Deputy Chief Negotiator and Head of the Department of International Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan; and Mr. Orhan Solak, Deputy Director at the Directorate of Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye.In his remarks, Dr. Ahonsi underscored that COP31 should be seen as a platform for delivery, linking climate action directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “We cannot separate COP31 from the SDGs. The way we see it at the UN, it is a platform for advancing the 2030 agenda of sustainable development. Because climate action, which by the way has a whole Sustainable Development Goal around it, SDG 13, is deeply interconnected with poverty reduction, food security, low carbon industrialization, ihealth, energy, and of course economic resilience” Resident Coordinator noted. Ahonsi also pointed to the growing threat of zoonotic diseases—such as Ebola, SARS, Zika and COVID-19— noting that environmental degradation and the disruption of planetary ecosystems are increasing global health risks and underscoring the urgent need for integrated solutions.Highlighting the role of young people in climate action, Dr. Ahonsi called on participants to actively engage in shaping solutions. He noted the growing role of youth in global climate governance, as exemplified by the appointment of Ms. Sally Higgins of Australia as the COP31 Youth Climate Champion, and Türkiye’s Samed Ağırbaş, as the COP31 Climate High-Level Champion. He encouraged students to be part of ongoing innovations, to test solutions within their communities, and to adopt sustainable lifestyles, including circular and zero waste practices.“Be part of the innovations that are taking place. Be the change you would like to see,” he told participants.COP29 Deputy Chief Negotiator Samir Becanov reflected on key outcomes of COP29, describing the agreement on the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance as a landmark achievement. He also highlighted the finalisation of implementation guidance for international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement as a major technical breakthrough. Noting that over 50 mandates were delivered in Baku, he emphasized that each COP builds on the outcomes of the previous one, with COP30 advancing the decisions taken at COP29.Deputy Director Orhan Solak emphasized that Türkiye’s primary motivation in hosting COP31 is to address the global implementation gap. “COP31 will be a turning point,” he said, adding that Türkiye aims to position itself as a regional and global hub for climate action.He outlined Türkiye’s priorities, including promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices, strengthening food security, supporting small-scale farmers, and addressing water scarcity and drought risks—challenges that are particularly acute in the Mediterranean region, one of the most climate-vulnerable areas in the world.Underscoring the importance of youth engagement, Solak noted that youth participation would be a defining feature of COP31, with Türkiye’s young climate envoys playing an active role. He emphasized that Türkiye views young people as equal and active partners in climate action.HUMUN 2026 continues over the coming days with simulations and debates on global issues ranging from climate negotiations and digital governance to human rights and international security, offering young participants a platform to engage with complex global challenges and develop the skills needed for future leadership. 

The choice of the tenth UN Secretary-General, who will take office in January 2027, could shape global diplomacy, the response to crises across the world and the direction of the multilateral system for the next decade.Why it mattersThe major questions going into the process which is now underway are:Which country will the next UN chief come from?Will a woman be chosen to lead the Organisation for the first time?How will the five Permanent Members of the Security Council overcome their political differences in an increasingly fractured world?A quick reminder about the role of Secretary-GeneralThe Secretary-General, or SG as the role is often referred to by UN insiders, is the UN’s chief administrative officer and top diplomat and is tasked with the following: Leads the UN Secretariat and global operations Brings issues threatening international peace to the UN Security Council Acts as a mediator, advocate and public voice on global crises Implements decisions of Member States When will the next Secretary-General be chosen?The current chief António Guterres’s term ends 31 December 2026, so the next SG is expected to begin work on 1 January 2027.The selection process is already underway: Nov 2025: Member States invited to nominate candidates by 1 April 202621-22 April 2026: Candidates are questioned by UN Member States and members of civil society in televised “interactive dialogues” in the Trusteeship Council chamberLate July 2026: The 15-member Security Council discusses the candidates behind closed doors Late 2026: The UN General Assembly formalizes the appointment  In practice, the decision is typically finalised between August and October.Who are the candidates?The field often includes diplomats, prime ministers, UN insiders and senior international figures.So far, four candidates have been nominated. Michelle Bachelet (from Chile) Rafael Grossi (Argentina) Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica) Macky Sall (Senegal) How it works:Candidates must be nominated by at least one UN Member State Countries can nominate one candidate each (alone or jointly) Self-nomination is not allowed Additional candidates can be nominated beyond the 1 April deadline.Informal rules:Nationals of the five permanent members of the Security Council (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States), known as the (P5) are not put forward. There is no official regional rotation policy in terms of where the SG should come from, although some argue it is Latin America’s “turn” which may explain why three of the candidates declared so far are from that region. Powerbroking at the General Assembly and Security CouncilThe Secretary‑General is appointed by the 193‑member General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council, (as set out in Article 97 of the UN Charter). While the 15‑member Council, and particularly its five permanent members, who may veto any candidate, plays a decisive role in shaping the recommendation, the appointment is ultimately made by the Assembly.To become SG, a candidate must: Gain majority support in the Security CouncilAvoid a veto from any of the P5 Informal straw polls are conducted amongst the members of the Council which indicate whether they encourage, discourage or have no specific opinion about a candidate.These straw polls continue until there is a majority candidate without a single veto from a P5 member.Is it likely a woman will be elected?The pressure is growing, but there are no guarantees.In 80 years since the founding of the UN, there have been nine Secretaries-General, but a woman has never held the post Member States are encouraged to nominate women But gender is not a formal selection criterion Security Council politics.The final decision still hinges largely on whether the P5 can come to a consensus. The disagreement of the P5 and gridlock in the Security Council over recent crises in Gaza, Ukraine and now Iran has demonstrated how difficult the task ahead could be.The tenth Secretary-General will follow in the steps of: António Guterres (Portugal), who took office in January 2017; Ban Ki-moon (Republic of Korea), 2007 to 2016; Kofi Annan (Ghana), 1997 to 2006; Boutros Boutros-Ghali (Egypt), 1992 to 1996; Javier Pérez de Cuéllar (Peru), 1982 to1991; Kurt Waldheim (Austria), 1972 to 1981; U Thant (Burma, now Myanmar), 1961 to 1971; Dag Hammarskjöld (Sweden), 1953 to1961; Trygve Lie (Norway), 1946 to 1952.