Towards COP31: Students, academicians and UN Experts Discuss Climate Action at Istanbul Technical University

"The road to COP31 offers us a unique opportunity to shape a more resilient, sustainable and just future," United Nations Resident Coordinator in Türkiye Dr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi told students and academics at Istanbul Technical University. Calling universities key partners in advancing climate action, he urged stronger collaboration between the United Nations, academia and young people to "turn knowledge into action, ambition into implementation, and hope into lasting change—for everyone, everywhere, leaving no one behind."

As Türkiye prepares to host the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), students, academics and United Nations (UN) representatives gathered at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) to discuss how youth, science and partnerships can help accelerate climate action.

The event, "Towards COP31: Climate Talks on Climate Agenda, Sustainability, Resilience and Green Growth," was organized by ITU's Environment and Urbanism Application and Research Center (UYGAR), Climate Ambassadors, Urban and Urbanization Club and ITU CORAL (Collective Resilience Alliance). It brought together representatives from the UN, academia and students to exchange ideas on sustainability, resilience, green growth and the role of young people in shaping climate solutions.

Moderated by Prof. Dr. Aliye Ahu Gülümser, Director of ITU's UYGAR, the event featured opening remarks by ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, who highlighted the significance of Türkiye hosting COP31 as an important opportunity to strengthen climate ambition and international cooperation. He noted that today's climate challenges extend beyond the environment, encompassing economic, social, geopolitical and technological dimensions that require collaborative, multi-stakeholder solutions. Stressing the importance of co-creation, he pointed to ITU CORAL as an example of students taking the lead in building resilience and preparing the next generation of climate leaders. During the interactive discussion, participants also learned that ITU CORAL will organize a Model COP31 in September, providing students with an opportunity to simulate international climate negotiations and strengthen youth engagement in the lead-up to COP31.

Delivering the keynote address, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Türkiye Dr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi emphasized that climate change cannot be addressed in isolation.

"Today we are living through two interconnected crises — the climate crisis and the energy crisis. Addressing them requires integrated action across multiple sectors, supported by innovation, clean energy and renewable technologies."

Highlighting the role of young people in driving change, he called on students to become active participants in shaping a sustainable future.

"Climate action cannot succeed without the meaningful participation of young people. You are not simply beneficiaries of climate policies—you are the innovators, advocates and change agents who will help transform our societies."

Dr. Ahonsi also underscored that delivering meaningful climate action requires a whole-of-society approach, bringing together governments, academia, the private sector, civil society and communities.

"The transition towards a resilient and low-carbon future depends on partnerships. Transformation will only happen if we work together, learn from one another and turn knowledge into action."

A youth perspective was presented by Climate Ambassador Ayşenaz Almeman, who highlighted the importance of youth participation and climate justice, drawing on findings from a recent climate survey conducted by UNICEF and the COP31 Presidency.

The panel, moderated by Tom Delrue, Head of the Resident Coordinator's Office in Türkiye, brought together Telman Maharramov of UN-Habitat's Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia; Dima Khoury, Coordinator at the Secretariat of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction at UNEP; Ersan Olcay Işın, Industrial Decarbonization Expert at UNIDO Türkiye; Ayşegül Selışık, Deputy Representative of FAO Türkiye; and Özlem Çalışkan, Programme Manager of UNFPA's Women Friendly Cities Programme in Türkiye. Together, they explored climate action through multiple lenses, including sustainable urbanization, environmental sustainability, green industrial transformation, sustainable food systems and inclusive, people-centred climate policies.

Discussions covered sustainable and resilient cities, the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, green industrial transformation, sustainable food systems, climate-resilient agriculture, and the importance of inclusive climate policies that leave no one behind. Panelists also highlighted the need to equip young people with green skills and ensure that women, youth and vulnerable groups are actively involved in climate decision-making.

Throughout the discussion, speakers agreed that universities have a unique role to play as hubs of research, innovation and collaboration. By moving beyond traditional teaching to pilot practical climate solutions and strengthen partnerships, higher education institutions can help accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement while supporting preparations for COP31.

The event concluded with an interactive discussion between students and UN experts, reaffirming the importance of youth engagement as Türkiye prepares to welcome the global climate community later this year. The dialogue formed part of broader efforts by the United Nations in Türkiye and its partners to foster inclusive conversations on climate action and ensure that the voices of young people and academia contribute to the road to COP31.