United Nations Climate Change Conference COP31 President and Türkiye’s Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum stressed that “climate justice cannot be achieved in a place where peace does not prevail” in response to a question about Israel’s participation in the conference being held in the Turkish city of Antalya.
In a television interview, Kurum said: “Here, we will talk about the climate and climate justice, and say that there is no climate justice where peace does not prevail.” He explained that the host country is responsible for inviting leaders, adding: “As the host country, we did not invite the Israeli government to the leaders’ meeting.”
“Gaza Hall” to accommodate 6,250 people
Kurum noted that the negotiations organized by the United Nations are open to all countries to present their views and proposals. He stressed, however, that the conference would not change Türkiye’s position toward the Israeli government, saying: “We will not remain silent about the genocide in Gaza.”
He revealed that the largest hall at the conference site, which can accommodate 6,250 people, had been named “Gaza Hall.” It will host exhibitions of drawings by children from Gaza depicting their suffering, along with works by Palestinian artists portraying the tragedy of war and injustice in the Gaza Strip.
Highest participation in climate conference history
Kurum expected the leaders’ summit, which President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will attend, to have the highest participation in the history of the Conferences of the Parties. The participation of 102 leaders and 330 ministers has been confirmed, while more than 100,000 visitors are expected.
Photos: TRT Haber, Anadolu
