Record-breaking floods in Spain, violent storms in Florida and wildfires in South America – these are just a few examples of the euxtreme weather events accelerating and intensifying across the world. With the cost of inaction clearer than ever, financing for clean alternatives to the fossil fuels which are driving climate change will be top of the agenda at this year’s UN climate conference, COP29.The context in which COP29 begins in Baku, Azerbaijan on November 11 is critical but not hopeless.A UN climate report released just days before the Conference confirmed that global average temperature rise is approaching 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, which would put the world on course for a catastrophic rise of 2.6-3.1°C this century, unless there are immediate and major cuts to greenhouse gas emissions.A failure to act will lead to increasingly frequent and dangerous extreme weather events.The UN is calling for urgent collective action, led by the G20 group of developed economies and the biggest emitters, to deliver the greenhouse gas emissions cuts needed to limit global warming.What is the UN Climate Change Conference?The climate crisis transcends borders. Solving it requires unprecedented international cooperation, with the UN and its chief, the Secretary-General, at the centre of the multilateral effort. The annual UN Climate Change Conferences (otherwise known, in UN jargon, as COPs, or Conferences of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change), are the world’s primary multilateral decision-making forum on climate change, bringing together almost every country on Earth. They are unique opportunities for the world to come together to agree on how to address the climate crisis, limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, help vulnerable communities to adapt to the changing climate, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.COPs are meant to be inclusive affairs and, as well as world leaders and government representatives, a diverse range of people from all aspects of society, from business leaders and climate scientists to Indigenous Peoples and youth, are involved, taking part in order to share insights and best practices to strengthen climate action that benefits all.What is the focus of COP29?A top priority for negotiators in Baku will be agreeing on a new climate finance goal, one that ensures every country has the means to take much stronger climate action, slash greenhouse gas emissions and build resilient communities.  The aim is for the conference to help unlock the trillions of dollars that developing countries need in order to mitigate harmful carbon emissions, adapt to climate change and cope with the loss and damage it has caused.Look out for a continuation of discussions held at the UN Summit of the Future earlier this year on reforming the international financial architecture. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres has described the current system as “entirely unfit for purpose” and ill-equipped to cope with today’s challenges:  many poor countries are facing unsustainable levels of debt that leave them unable to invest in social protection and health care, let alone measures that would bring about the transition to a low carbon economy.What will happen over the two weeks?As ever, there will be a packed schedule of negotiations, speeches, press conferences, events and panel discussions at the conference site, divided into a Green Zone – which is overseen by the COP29 Presidency and open to the general public – and a Blue Zone managed by the UN.This is where the nitty-gritty of the negotiations will take place, as the representatives of the nations of the world try to thrash out a deal by the end of the event. An agreement is usually reached, but not without drama, with last minute disagreements pushing the talks beyond their official deadline.Why are COPs important?The importance of COPs lies in their convening power: the decisions made at each of them may not go as far as some may hope, in terms of addressing the climate crisis, but they are made by consensus, uniting the countries of the world in international agreements that set standards and advance action in critical areas.Low-lying archipelagoes like the Maldives are particularly susceptible to the ravages of climate change.In 2015, at COP21 in Paris, a landmark climate agreement was reached in which countries agreed to reduce global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees. The Paris Agreement works on a five- year cycle of increasingly ambitious climate action by countries. The next updated national climate action plans - known as Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs - are due in 2025. This process has led to incremental but important improvements, in terms of reduced emissions and measures to promote the adoption of renewable energy sources.Each year, negotiators build on progress made at the previous year’s COP, strengthening aspirations and commitments, and pushing for new agreements, based on the latest scientific findings on the climate, and the role of human activity in the crisis.What comes next?Beyond the conference walls, there are many positive signs that the clean energy transition is gathering pace, and already paying huge dividends, in terms of the creation of jobs and boosting the economies that are embracing it.Renewables are entering the energy system at an unprecedented rate, and electricity from new wind and solar power is now cheaper in most places than electricity from fossil fuels.A future powered by renewable energy is now inevitable. Those who take decisive action and invest in clean technologies today are expected to reap the biggest rewards in the years to come.Even before the end of COP29, delegates will be ironing out the details of their improved national climate plans, which amongst other targets will focus on transitioning away from fossil fuels, and keeping the world on track to a no more than 1.5 degree increase in global temperatures.

The Presidential Symphony Orchestra marked the 79th anniversary of the United Nations with a concert at Ankara’s CSO Ada Concert Hall. Nearly 2000 guests attended, including the UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi and representatives of the UN agencies in Türkiye. The performance was directed by Andreas Ottensamer, the first clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor of world-renowned ensembles. Joining the orchestra as the evening’s soloist was Ellinor D'Melon, an acclaimed 20-year-old violinist who has performed with prestigious orchestras like the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, St. Petersburg Symphony, and RTE National Symphony Orchestra. She played her historic 1743 Giovanni Battista Guadagnini violin, captivating the audience with her artistry.The program featured classical masterpieces such as Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, Pablo de Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen and Carmen Fantasy, and Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 7 in D minor.On behalf of the UN Country Team in Türkiye, Dr. Ahonsi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Presidential Symphony Orchestra and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism for dedicating the concert to the UN's anniversary. In his message for the concert program booklet, Dr. Ahonsi remarked, “In a world moving from crisis to crisis—whether through conflict, climate emergencies, or rising inequalities—music transcends borders, cultures, and challenges, uniting, inspiring, and healing.”He also noted that the recently adopted Pact for the Future reaffirms the UN's commitment to preventing conflict, fostering peace, and promoting sustainable development as essential to a peaceful and inclusive world. “Let us celebrate music’s role in bridging divides and nurturing the spirit of peace and sustainable development,” Dr. Ahonsi concluded 

On 15, 16, and 17 October, the United Nations Network on Migration in Türkiye (UNNM), co-chaired by the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations' Resident Coordinator in Türkiye hosted a capacity development workshop for the UNNM members and a briefing for the stakeholders.  The workshop and the briefing aimed to enhance the members' and stakeholders' understanding of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM). The GCM is the first inter-governmental agreement covering international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner. The workshop provided detailed insights into the GCM's implementation, follow-up, and review, as well as the role of the UNNM at the global, regional, and national levels.   The workshop and the briefing introduced the GCM Capacity Building Initiatives and served as a platform for discussions on the GCM priority areas and potential steps to enhance safe, orderly, and regular migration in Türkiye, contributing to progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

More than 100 students, faculty members, and academicians gathered at Atılım University to hear Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Türkiye, give a speech on the global water crisis titled "The Global Water Crisis: United Nations Programmes and Initiatives for Sustainable Solutions.” The event organized by Prof. Hasan Umur Akay, Chair of Automotive Engineering Department highlighted the urgent need for international cooperation and sustainable solutions to address the growing water challenges affecting billions of people around the world.Professor Akay in his opening remarks said that Atılım University selected “water” as the theme for 2024-2025 academic year. Within the scope of the “Water” theme the university has been organizing events. He emphasized the benefits of equal and sustainable use of water resources. Dr. Ahonsi began his speech by commending the university community for their commitment to discussing such a critical issue. “It is a great honor to be here at this distinguished university, and especially to be in the presence of such bright young minds—the future leaders of our world. You are not just the leaders of tomorrow—you are the changemakers of today,” he said. Throughout his address, Dr. Ahonsi emphasized the essential role that water plays in every aspect of life, from health and food security to economic growth and peace. He shared striking global statistics, noting that 2.2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, and 1.42 billion people, including 450 million children, live in areas of high or extreme water vulnerability. He warned that, “The world is facing a growing water crisis that threatens not just development, but peace itself.”Referring to the United Nations Water Convention, Dr. Ahonsi highlighted the urgent need for cross-border cooperation on water management. “Dwindling water supplies can heighten competition, fueling tensions and even conflict between communities and countries. Secretary-General António Guterres is urging all countries to join the UN Water Convention, which promotes sustainable management of shared water resources.”Dr. Ahonsi urged the audience to recognize the link between water security and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, stating, “Without a concerted focus on water, we cannot hope to achieve the SDGs by 2030.”The event was a call to action for the students and faculty in attendance. Dr. Ahonsi concluded his speech with a powerful message about the importance of managing water resources to ensure a sustainable future. “As we look to the future, we must recognize that all our hopes for sustainable development, peace, and prosperity depend on how we manage water. We need a new global water information system, smarter policies, and stronger cooperation.”79th Anniversary of the UNIn addition to addressing the global water crisis, Dr. Ahonsi reflected on the broader mission of the United Nations as it approaches its 79th anniversary. He emphasized the enduring relevance of the UN Charter, which continues to guide global efforts toward peace, justice, and equality. “At its core, the Charter embodies a spirit of resolve: to bridge divides, restore relationships, and foster peace; to create opportunities for all and ensure no one is left behind,” he noted, underscoring the UN’s commitment to addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence.Dr. Ahonsi concluded by highlighting the Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact, and Declaration on Future Generations — three landmark initiatives aimed at fostering a more equitable and sustainable world. “As we celebrate the UN’s 79th anniversary, these documents symbolize our collective hope for a better future. They represent new opportunities to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, accelerate climate action, and ensure technology serves the common good,” he said. Atılım University, in collaboration with the TEMA Foundation, planted a tree in honor of Dr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi. Prof. Akay had the privilege of presenting Dr. Ahonsi with a certificate commemorating this thoughtful gesture, symbolizing a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and future generations.Dr. Ahonsi’s full speech at Atılım University is at this link.