Cairo: The UN Environment Program (UNEP) is eager to establish deep cooperation with Trkiye, which will host next year's climate change conference, said Inger Andersen, executive director of the agency. Speaking to Anadolu on the sidelines of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Andersen assessed global climate achievements and Trkiye's upcoming COP presidency.

According to Anadolu Agency, Andersen celebrated the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Paris Agreement, acknowledging progress made while emphasizing the potential for further advancements in Trkiye. She highlighted the COP30 decision made in Belem, Brazil, to triple annual adaptation finance flows to $1.3 trillion by 2035. Although COP30 did not produce a fossil fuel phase-out roadmap, Andersen cited ongoing momentum from previous agreements to phase down coal power and transition away from fossil fuels.

Andersen expressed confidence in collaborative efforts between Trkiye, Australia, and Brazil to deliver a fossil fuel phase-out roadmap, noting the support of around 80 countries. She reiterated the need for continued work, stating, "Rome wasn't built in a day."

Andersen voiced strong enthusiasm for cooperation with Trkiye, stating UNEP's anticipation of deep collaboration with the country, which will chair COP31. She praised Trkiye's strategic location and rich biodiversity, emphasizing its diverse ecosystems and renewable energy potential, particularly in wind and hydropower.

Furthermore, Andersen commended Trkiye's first lady Emine Erdogan's global leadership on zero waste, highlighting the UN General Assembly's adoption of a Turkish-initiated resolution to establish March 30 as International Day of Zero Waste. She noted Trkiye's development path, which integrates social considerations with economic growth.

Andersen also addressed the environmental impact of AI, a key topic at UNEA-7. She questioned how to minimize AI's environmental footprint while maximizing its benefits for environmental protection. Emphasizing AI's potential as a solution provider, she stressed the importance of considering the circular economy for the metals and rare earths needed for this technology and being mindful of energy sources used.