• President says Türkiye’s Climate Law marks 'a significant milestone' toward net-zero 2053, stresses rebuilding Gaza must proceed 'without delay'

ISTANBUL

Türkiye is ready to host the next UN climate change conference, COP31, in November 2026, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, addressing leaders at the G20 summit in South Africa.

Türkiye is set to organize COP31 in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, he told the G20 session “A resilient world” in Johannesburg.

Highlighting Türkiye’s energy goals, Erdogan said the country aims to quadruple its solar and wind energy capacity by 2035, adding that this year the share of renewables in Türkiye’s energy mix already rose above 60%.

Erdogan called Türkiye’s newly adopted Climate Law a “milestone in achieving our goal of net-zero emissions by 2053,” adding that it will boost clean technology investments and help finance a fair transition for all sectors.

He highlighted ongoing environmental efforts through the Zero Waste Project – an initiative spearheaded by first lady Emine Erdogan – which he noted has become “a global environmental movement with the support of the United Nations,” and said an agreement reached with Australia is especially meaningful amid the “recent erosion of multilateralism.”

Commending South Africa’s work on food security, Erdogan voiced his belief that the G20 should step up efforts in this area, stressing that while the economic cost is high, “a financing system that meets the needs of developing countries in particular must be implemented.”

The president also said that Türkiye has been carrying out a Herculean construction operation in the wake of the Feb. 6, 2023 earthquakes, with 350,000 units delivered so far, and with completion of the remaining 100,000 units set to finalize “one of the world's largest construction activities in less than four years,” demonstrating the solid foundations of the Turkish economy.

He added that Türkiye is among the countries worst hit by the climate crisis, noting that the agricultural frost and severe drought seen in 2025 underscored the need to strengthen food and water security, and stressing: “Every painful experience we have endured shows that we must place importance on the fight against climate change.”

Gaza’s recovery must begin 'without delay'

On Gaza, Erdogan stressed that the ceasefire reached last month is crucial for global stability.

“Continuation of the ceasefire in Gaza, achieved through the efforts of US President Trump and the contributions of leading regional countries, is crucial not only for the Palestinian people but also for the peace of the entire world,” he said.

"According to UN data, the destruction caused by Israel in Gaza has set back Palestine's development efforts by at least 70 years," he said.

He added: "Unfortunately, in Gaza, we witnessed not only the destruction of the superstructure but also the destruction of the environment. The loss of more than 70,000 children, women, and innocent adults cannot be compensated for, nor can the scars it has left on the minds of future generations be erased."

He underlined the need to accelerate humanitarian aid and begin reconstruction “without delay,” calling the role of UN agencies in coordinating relief efforts indispensable.

Erdogan added that Türkiye remains committed to supporting a lasting truce and contributing to the Palestinian enclave's reconstruction. “We are determined and ready to stand with the Palestinian people, as always,” he said.

Erdogan added that the international community must continue working toward a two-state solution, calling that “the only path to lasting peace.”

Türkiye’s determined energy transformation

On Turkish social media platform Nsosyal, Communications Chief Burhanettin Duran posted highlights from President Erdogan’s speech at the G20, underscoring Türkiye’s renewable energy goals.

He said the president’s vision “clearly demonstrates Türkiye’s determination in its energy transformation,” adding that the steady rise in clean energy investments strengthens both energy independence and a sustainable future.

Duran also said Erdogan once again drew attention to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, stressing that maintaining the ceasefire is vital.

He said Türkiye will continue to support both the ceasefire and Gaza’s reconstruction, calling this stance a mark of the country’s humanitarian principles and its commitment to regional and global peace.

Duran added that a two-state solution is the only path to a just and lasting peace, calling on the international community to contribute sincerely to these efforts.

Johannesburg is hosting the two-day leaders' summit aimed at discussing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.