Antalya:The president of the UN General Assembly emphasized the need for the COP31 climate conference in Türkiye to transform global climate pledges into concrete action, warning that current efforts are not enough to meet established emissions limits.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Khalilur Rahman, speaking at the UN Climate Conference in Antalya, stated that while the Paris Agreement provided a compass and other declarations offered direction, it is now crucial for the Antalya conference to deliver tangible results. He highlighted that global carbon emissions hit a record high of 42 billion in 2025, and the past 12 years have been the warmest on record, underscoring the widening environmental divide.

Rahman pointed out that current trajectories suggest a temperature rise of 2.8C, far exceeding the 2015 Paris Agreement's target of 1.5C. He stressed the need for a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, achievable through tripling renewable energy generation to 1,200 gigawatts annually. He also called for the use of COP31's 2035 benchmarks on electrification, sustainable buildings, green industry, and zero waste to convert national climate commitments into actionable projects.

Addressing financial disparities, Rahman noted that developing countries need up to $305 billion annually for climate adaptation but only receive $26 billion. He urged donors to provide non-debt-creating financing and allocate resources based on environmental vulnerability. Additionally, he advocated for the use of artificial intelligence and modern technology to expand early warning systems and called for financial compensation for forest communities affected by climate change.

Rahman concluded by urging the conference to focus on implementation, aiming to carry its outcomes into the 2027 Sustainable Development Goals Summit.