UN and Academia Strengthen Partnership to Advance Climate Implementation Ahead of COP31

The United Nations in Türkiye, in partnership with the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Türkiye, convened leading academics and UN experts to explore how science, innovation and multi-stakeholder partnerships can accelerate climate implementation and contribute to a strong legacy for COP31.

The Academia–UN Round Table on Climate Action Priorities, Partnerships and Innovation, organized as part of the UN Türkiye COP31 Engagement Strategy, brought together 15 leading academics from SDSN Türkiye member universities across the country and around 20 United Nations representatives working on climate action and sustainable development. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between academia and the UN to help translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions that support Türkiye's climate ambitions and sustainable development objectives.

Opening the event, UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi emphasized that the world is entering a new phase of climate action where implementation must take centre stage.

"As highlighted in our COP31 Engagement Strategy, academia is not only a source of knowledge, but a critical partner in transforming ambition into implementation," he said, noting that universities and research institutions have a vital role in generating evidence for policy, advancing innovation, strengthening green skills and supporting the partnerships needed for a just transition. His full speech is available at this link. 

Welcoming participants, Dr. Tamer Atabarut, Director of SDSN Türkiye, reaffirmed the network's commitment to working closely with the United Nations. Hosted by Boğaziçi University, SDSN Türkiye brings together more than 60 universities and research institutions across the country and serves as a platform for advancing evidence-based solutions for sustainable development. He stressed that the network stands ready to help bridge the gap between knowledge and implementation through closer collaboration with the UN and national partners.

The Round Table featured a keynote address by Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, who called for COP31 to become an implementation-oriented conference focused on concrete action rather than additional commitments.

Professor Sachs argued that while Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) define countries' climate ambitions, they are not operational implementation plans. He emphasized the need for detailed 20–30-year decarbonization pathways supported by technological roadmaps, investment plans, financing strategies and regional cooperation scenarios. Rather than producing more facts and figures, he stressed that governments need practical implementation scenarios, particularly for renewable energy integration and regional zero-carbon energy systems.

Participants agreed that stronger links are needed between research, policymaking, finance and implementation if climate ambitions are to translate into measurable results.

A major focus of the discussions was the development of green skills and climate literacy. Participants highlighted the need to embed sustainability and climate action across education systems—from primary and secondary schools to universities, vocational education and lifelong learning programmes. Universities were encouraged to work more closely with industry to ensure curricula respond to emerging labour market needs while expanding opportunities for executive education, micro-credentials, reskilling and upskilling for the green economy.

The discussions also underscored the importance of engaging young people as climate leaders through initiatives such as climate literacy campaigns, youth ambassador programmes, Model UN clubs and experiential learning. Participants emphasized that climate education should not only prepare future graduates but also support workers already in the labour market and reach disadvantaged communities through partnerships with municipalities, public education centres and the private sector.

Another key theme was strengthening the interface between science, policy and finance. Participants stressed that universities can play an important role in generating evidence for policymaking, developing impact assessments and identifying the green skills and competencies required for Türkiye's transition. They also highlighted the need to adapt international definitions of green jobs and green skills to national contexts and to strengthen cooperation between academia, government and industry.

Several speakers noted that successful implementation will depend not only on sound research but also on mobilizing adequate financing and convincing policymakers of the economic case for investing in climate action. Discussions highlighted opportunities presented by the emerging Climate Implementation Bridge, international financial institutions and new climate finance mechanisms to support Türkiye's green transition.

The Round Table also explored how partnerships can help ensure that COP31 leaves a lasting legacy. Participants proposed strengthening collaboration among academia, government, municipalities, the private sector, financial institutions and civil society through pilot projects, living labs, innovation platforms and stronger knowledge-sharing mechanisms. Particular attention was given to scaling up successful UN-supported initiatives, improving impact assessment and expanding South-South and triangular cooperation through research and innovation.

Participants also discussed opportunities to strengthen action in areas including sustainable industrialization, food systems, water management, artificial intelligence, renewable energy technologies and urban resilience. Proposals included convening a farmers' forum linked to the COP31 food systems agenda, enhancing collaboration on curriculum development, and creating stronger mechanisms to connect universities with policy processes and implementation efforts.

The Round Table featured experts representing a wide range of disciplines, including climate economics, energy transition, industrial decarbonization, agriculture and food systems, urban planning, climate policy, innovation, science and technology, health and climate, and youth, skills and education. Participants included academics from Boğaziçi University, Middle East Technical University, Istanbul Technical University, Sabancı University, Marmara University, Özyeğin University, Gebze Technical University, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and Kadir Has University, together with Professor Jeffrey Sachs joining online from Columbia University.

Concluding the discussions, participants agreed that the United Nations has an important convening role in connecting academia, policymakers, the private sector and development partners to accelerate climate implementation. Recommendations from the Round Table will inform the ongoing implementation of the UN Türkiye COP31 Engagement Strategy, contribute to future thematic dialogues with key stakeholders, and support preparations for COP31 through follow-up workstreams, collaborative initiatives and potential side events.