On the Road to COP31: Ankara Medipol University and UN Türkiye Engage Youth on Climate and Health

Ankara Medipol University hosted a panel titled “One Health & Climate-Health Futures: Public Health and Climate Change” with the participation of United Nations Türkiye, bringing together students, academics and public health experts to discuss youth engagement, multilateral cooperation and collective climate action on the road to COP31, which Türkiye will host in Antalya in 2026.

Moderated by Ankara Medipol University Rector Prof. Dr. Tolga Tolunay, the panel focused on the growing impacts of climate change on public health and the importance of the “One Health” approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health.

Prof. Dr. Tolunay underlined that resilient health systems are at the core of the One Health approach and stressed the importance of timely interventions and coordinated action in responding to global risks.

The panel featured Dr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Türkiye; Associate Prof. Dr. Tufan Nayır, Health Specialist from the World Health Organization (WHO); and Associate Prof. Dr. Funda Kocaay, Public Health Specialist from Ankara Medipol University.

Addressing students during the dialogue, Dr. Ahonsi emphasized the central role of young people in shaping climate solutions and strengthening resilience.

“Young people are not just participants — they are drivers of change,” Dr. Ahonsi said, encouraging students to engage in climate advocacy, innovation and community-based solutions.

He stressed that youth engagement should move beyond visibility and symbolic participation.

“Youth need a seat at the table, not just in the audience. Their ideas must be taken seriously and integrated into policy,” he noted.

Referring to Türkiye’s preparations for COP31, Dr. Ahonsi commended efforts to place young people at the center of climate discussions.

“By empowering young climate envoys, Türkiye is demonstrating strong leadership in placing youth at the heart of climate action and ensuring that the voices of the next generation help shape our collective future,” he said.

Dr. Ahonsi also highlighted the importance of knowledge, innovation and collaboration in addressing the climate crisis.

“The defining question of this decade is speed — and fairness. Your generation will be critical in shaping how fast we move, and who benefits from the transition,” he told participants.

He further encouraged students to remain engaged with the work of the United Nations in Türkiye and to contribute actively to climate solutions.

“Change will happen when we believe in the power of joint work and when we all act together,” Dr. Ahonsi said.

During the panel, Associate Prof. Dr. Tufan Nayır highlighted that WHO approaches One Health as an adaptive framework, recognizing that while global risks affect all countries, each country requires different priorities and action points based on its own context. He noted that in Türkiye, WHO works closely with the Government of Türkiye and UN partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to strengthen coordination mechanisms and operationalize the One Health approach.

Associate Prof. Dr. Funda Kocaay stressed that ecosystems are deeply interconnected and emphasized that stronger communication and information-sharing among institutions and stakeholders are essential for preventing diseases and strengthening public health preparedness. She also underlined that prevention remains the most effective remedy to public health challenges.

Throughout the discussion, panelists highlighted the importance of multilateralism, collaboration and the exchange of best practices to address the climate-health nexus. Discussions also focused on the health co-benefits of climate action and the importance of preparedness, resilience and inclusive participation in climate decision-making.

The event reflected UN Türkiye’s continued engagement with universities and young people on climate change, sustainable development and the future of multilateral cooperation on the road to COP31. Students actively participated through questions and exchanges with panelists, contributing ideas on climate resilience, public health and sustainable solutions.