Istanbul: The Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) can become a transformative force in the global climate agenda, Trkiye's environment minister and COP31 president stated. Murat Kurum emphasized the strategic importance of the D-8's geographical reach and its substantial population, which spans Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, at the COP31 D-8 International Ministerial Meeting in Istanbul.
According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting saw participation from environment and climate representatives of Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Trkiye. Murat Kurum underscored the pivotal nature of this gathering as Trkiye prepares for its COP31 presidency. He highlighted how cooperation within the D-8 could enhance the influence of developing countries in the global climate agenda. Kurum remarked on the immediate challenges posed by climate change, impacting economic growth, urban areas, food security, energy systems, and public welfare, while pointing out the existing gap between climate commitments and their implementation.
Kurum outlined Trkiye's readiness to share its expertise in areas such as post-disaster reconstruction, Zero Waste practices, resilient cities, energy efficiency, the circular economy, and sustainable infrastructure. He described COP31 as a platform geared towards implementing climate adaptation, enhancing access to finance and technology, boosting urban resilience, and promoting nature-based solutions. He emphasized the COP31 presidency's focus on 'dialogue, consensus, and action.'
The COP31 Action Agenda, set by Trkiye, concentrates on 10 priority areas, including the reduction of methane emissions, speeding up electrification and energy efficiency, advocating sustainable agriculture, supporting green industrialization, and developing climate-resilient cities. The agenda also stresses the importance of youth participation, resilient systems, and increased cross-sector cooperation.
Kurum proposed global implementation targets to be achieved by 2035. These targets aim to increase the global electrification rate to 35%, cut the growth rate of global waste generation by half, reduce energy-use intensity in buildings by at least 25%, and enhance circular material use in production and manufacturing to at least 15%. The targets also focus on broadening climate education and improving the reach, efficiency, and inclusiveness of climate finance.
Kurum announced the Climate Implementation Bridge as a key COP31 initiative, designed to assist developing countries in transforming climate commitments into investable projects and securing financing. The meeting was set to tackle issues like climate adaptation, loss and damage, climate finance, a just transition, and enhanced cooperation among D-8 countries. Kurum concluded that the Istanbul Declaration would articulate the group's shared environmental and climate vision, significantly contributing to COP31 in Antalya.