London Climate Action Week (LCAW) 2026, organized to draw attention to the importance of finance, innovative solutions and international cooperation in the fight against climate change, brought together global climate leaders.

Climate finance and green transformation agenda came to the fore at the London Stock Exchange opening ceremony held within the scope of London Climate Action Week. To the ceremony; COP31 High Level Climate Champion and Zero Waste Foundation President Samed Ağırbaş, UK Special Representative for Climate Rachel Kyte, Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs and COP32 President Gedion Timothewos and Green Finance Institute (GFI) CEO Dr. Rhian-Mari Thomas OBE attended.

Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High Level Climate Champion, emphasized the critical role of climate finance in global transformation in his speech at the London Stock Exchange Market Opening Ceremony. As part of the ceremony, Ağırbaş rang the opening gong of the London Stock Exchange and gave a strong message to the global finance world for climate action and a sustainable future.

“THE WORLD NEEDS PROGRESS, NOT MORE PROMISES”

Samed Ağırbaş, in his opening speech at the London Stock Exchange, made evaluations about the COP31 process and stated that climate targets should be supported by concrete practices.

Ağırbaş said, “As we move towards COP31, the world does not need more promises. What it needs is progress. We must unlock financial resources, accelerate innovation, and place zero waste and circularity at the center of transformation and mitigating the effects of climate change.”

Ağırbaş stated that the fight against climate change is not only an environmental issue, but also an economic and social transformation process, and emphasized that this transition process should benefit all segments of society.

Ağırbaş said, “We must also ensure that this transition process benefits people, especially women and young people. COP31 is not only a goal, but also an opportunity. In this way, it is possible to put it into practice.”

ZERO WASTE FORUM’S GLOBAL VISION WILL BE SHARED IN LONDON

London Climate Action Week creates a global platform to accelerate climate action by bringing together investors, financial institutions, businesses, public representatives and non-governmental organizations every June.

While many events are held throughout the week under the titles of finance, energy, nature, politics and sustainable development, the importance of common sense and collective action in achieving climate goals is emphasized.

During the contacts to be held within the scope of London Climate Action Week, the work carried out by the Zero Waste Foundation on a global scale and the priorities of the Zero Waste Forum, in line with the Zero Waste vision put forward by First Lady Emine Erdoğan, will also be brought to the agenda.

A CALL FOR TRANSFORMATION FOR THE WORLD OF THE FUTURE

Zero Waste Foundation continues its work to strengthen global partnerships, pointing out that finance, technology, innovation and sustainable living models are complementary elements in the fight against climate change.

The Zero Waste approach not only manages waste; It stands out as a comprehensive transformation model that aims to re-evaluate the entire life cycle from production to consumption. This understanding offers a holistic approach that increases resource efficiency in the fight against climate change and contributes to the protection of natural assets.

As we move towards the COP31 process, Zero Waste Foundation; It continues to take an active role in international platforms to strengthen climate finance, expand the circular economy and support sustainable development goals.

The message given at the London Stock Exchange revealed that climate action should be at the center of not only environmental policies but also the global financial system. The importance of finance, technology, public and society acting in line with common goals for a more livable future was once again emphasized.

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş attended the ALLY for Future: Young Muslim Women Leadership Program in Ankara. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Musa Kulaklıkaya, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Social Affairs Director Abdul Falilat Ajoke, NUN Education and Culture Foundation Chairman Esra Albayrak and judges from 24 OIC member countries took part in the program.

Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş expressed his satisfaction with the realization of the 3rd ALLY for Future: Young Muslim Women Leadership Program and said, “As Turkey, this meeting, which took place within the scope of our 51st OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Term Presidency, carries the legacy of female leadership of the Islamic world to today. I believe that this program will contribute to young Muslim women taking a more active role in decision-making processes. At the same time, it is an important ground for them to produce more equipped, self-confident and strategic answers to the global issues of today and the future.” “will create,” he said.

‘PIONEERS BUILDING THE FUTURE’

Stating that female leadership for the Islamic geography is a deep-rooted truth that has existed for centuries, Minister Göktaş said, “This truth has always shown itself in science, wisdom, family, society, foundation tradition, production and decision-making processes. It is possible to see the strongest traces of this deep-rooted truth in different periods of our history. The business ethics of Hazrat Khadija in Mecca and the scientific center established by Fatima al-Fihri in North Africa clearly reveal the place of Muslim women in the construction of civilization.” The state administration of Sultan Razia in South Asia and Nene Hatun’s determined and courageous stance in defense of the country are strong reflections of the same deep-rooted truth from different periods and different geographies. The future we want to build today is based on this strong legacy. Artificial intelligence, which is becoming more and more established in our lives day by day, becomes the tool of a more just future when women are at the tables that design and manage it. In the face of wars, migrations and poverty, women revive people, families and society. Women’s awareness of trust in the face of women reveals a fair understanding of development that will carry today’s resources to the future. When family, identity and belonging are faced with challenges, the existence of women turns into a fundamental force that keeps society together. Therefore, we see women as pioneers who build the future by kneading justice with compassion, knowledge with responsibility, and tradition with innovation. Despite this, we can still unfortunately encounter hate speech targeting women who wear headscarves, against fundamental rights and freedoms, social peace and coexistence. “It is a clear attack on our culture. And we will never allow this understanding to normalize.”

Minister Göktaş continued his speech as follows:

“Women, who were once excluded from university gates, public institutions and working life due to their beliefs and clothes, have today become the most essential subjects of Türkiye’s development march. While the rate of female students going to university was 14 percent in 2002, it increased to 53 percent in 2025. Today, one in every two university students is a woman. Similarly, the rate of female lecturers, which was 36 percent in 2002, has reached 53 percent today. This table shows that women are not only in access to education but also in science. Women’s representation, which had difficulty in exceeding the 5 percent level for many years throughout the history of the Republic, has now moved to a much higher level, reaching 19.8 percent. The number of women ambassadors, which was 14 in 2002, has reached an extremely strong level. Today, 40 percent of our judges and prosecutors are women, and the female employment rate is 35 percent. The rate increased to 31.2 percent. We are carrying out activities that will make all these gains permanent with the ‘Women’s Empowerment Strategy Document and Action Plan’ covering the period 2024-2028. All our institutions continue to work with great devotion for the empowerment of women in agriculture, industry, energy, education, health and all areas. On the other hand, we make women’s entrepreneurship more visible all over the country with the collaborations we have established with the public, civil society and private sector. “With the vision of ‘Women’s Move in Sustainable Development’ we have announced, we are creating an entrepreneurship ecosystem based on innovation and efficiency. In this regard, we are working to ensure that women and girls become the leaders of today and tomorrow in fields such as green economy, technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation. In the 2025 Year of the Family, we supported women’s labor, entrepreneurship and production power with a strong will for development that extends from the family to the society. For us, the empowerment of women and the empowerment of the family are the guarantee of each other.”

Erhan Karaal, who works as Deputy General Manager at Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, said that he was forced into a vehicle by people who introduced themselves as police officers, carried from vehicle to vehicle, beaten in a cistern-like place and asked for “300 kilos of gold”. Karaal said that the attackers accused him of being “Ekrem İmamoğlu’s and former Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality director Serdal Taşkın’s safe”, and then continued to torture him with the claim of “500 kilos of gold hidden in Erzincan”.

In his statement taken at Kartal Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, Karaal said that he went to the courtroom in Silivri on the day of the incident, then returned to his home, then went to his mother-in-law’s house and when he came back to his residence, he was stopped by unidentified people in front of his house. Karaal stated that the people who stopped him said “they were police” and that they would “take him to Vatan Police Station”, and then he was forced into a vehicle.

“THEY SAID IT WAS NOT A POLICE AND LET ME GET INTO THE VEHICLE”

According to Karaal, the suspects stopped him in front of his house. People who came after him and a few people who told him they were police forces forced Karaal into the vehicle. Stating that his head was pressed between his legs in the vehicle, Karaal said that he could not see faces and roads, that he was transferred from vehicle to vehicle and therefore could not follow the route. Karaal stated that more than one vehicle was changed during the kidnapping process, that people in some vehicles spoke Kurdish, and that the driver of one vehicle was Iraqi. Karaal, who stated in his statement that they passed through the Eurasia Tunnel twice, said that he understood this from the voice announcements in the tunnel. Karaal said that when he was first transferred to the European Side, the vehicle was driven by a person who said he was Iraqi, and then he was taken to a place similar to a cistern.

In the corruption investigation carried out by the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office against the Adalar Municipality, many actions related to the network of interests alleged to have been established through the license, settlement, renovation, illegal construction, seal removal and inspection processes in the municipality were included in the file.

ILLEGAL RENOVATIONS AND HIGH AMOUNTS MONEY REQUESTS

One of the striking details in the investigation file was the illegal renovation process of a real estate in Büyükada. Allegedly, new demands for money were raised in return for reducing the fine imposed on the property for which various payments had been made previously, not carrying out the demolition process and continuing the renovation. It was claimed that 150 thousand Euros were requested for the settlement and hotel license procedures for another property in Heybeliada. The file also included the allegation that zoning violations were used as a means of pressure in case of non-payment.

CLAIM OF NEGOTIATION IN LICENSE PROCESSES

In the investigation file, it was claimed that there were high demands for money in license transactions for restaurants, shops and various businesses. It was claimed that 200 thousand TL was requested during the licensing process of a restaurant operating in Maden District, and that some businesses wishing to obtain a business license were asked to pay additional payments of hundreds of thousands of liras in addition to the official fees. In some project and renovation files, allegations that citizens were directed to certain architects and that payments were planned to be made after the completion of the project approval processes were reflected in the investigation file.

Mayor of Adalar, Ali Ercan Akpolat

THEY MADE THEIR RENTS PAID IN EXCHANGE OF LICENSE CONVENIENCE

The investigation also included the allegation that the rent of a warehouse, which was stated to be used on behalf of the municipality, was made to be paid by various individuals instead of the municipal budget. According to the file, it was evaluated that the rent payments were covered by third parties in exchange for facilitating some construction and licensing procedures. On the other hand, allegations that the salary of the mayor’s office driver was not covered by the municipal budget, but by money obtained from people working in the municipality, were also included in the investigation file. It was evaluated that the expression “escrow”, which was frequently used in the interviews, referred to money transfers.

CLAIMS OF REMOVAL OF SEALS AND SUSPENSION OF INSPECTIONS

It was claimed that although a workplace did not have a license in the file, its seal was removed by acting as if it were licensed, and that in some addresses, police teams were not sent to inspect as a result of instructions. It was also claimed that instructions were given not to take action in various renovation and construction activities.

Deputy Mayor Hüseyin Yılmaz

THEY DEMANDED FOREIGN EXCHANGE TO ACCELERATE TRANSACTIONS

One of the most striking topics of the investigation was the high amounts of payments allegedly requested during the settlement processes. It was evaluated that millions of lira payments were received for some immovable properties stated in the file to be exempt from fees, and that these money were associated with the housing and municipal permit processes. It was claimed that in some projects, there were demands for payment in foreign currency in return for speeding up the board approval, settlement and license procedures.

Deputy Mayor Fırat Durak

BRIBERY UNDER THE NAME OF “DONATION”

Within the scope of the investigation, it was evaluated that some payments were not made directly in money, but under different names such as “escrow”, “donation”, “fee”, “fee”, “salary” and “rent”. The file also included allegations that the rent of a warehouse used on behalf of the municipality was made to be paid by third parties, and that the salaries of some municipal employees were covered by money obtained from people working in the municipality.

“WE ARE ENTERING A BUSY SUMMER SEASON”

Stating that they have entered a busy summer period, especially the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, Çelik said, “We will commemorate our heroic martyrs with mercy on July 15. We will salute our heroic veterans once again with gratitude. I stated that it will be evaluated in many aspects and the commemoration will be held from both state and political dimensions. Preparations for the climate summit are continuing. There are preparations for the anniversary of the founding of our party. An intense domestic and foreign political agenda is ahead of us, we are evaluating all of these.” Ömer Çelik answered the questions of the press members after his statements.

“WE ARE ALREADY SEEING RADICAL STATEMENTS TO SABOTATE THE AGREEMENT”

When a journalist asked about his evaluations regarding the memorandum of understanding signed between the USA and Iran and the negotiation process that will continue for 60 days, Çelik said, “From the beginning, it has been seen how short-sighted the evaluations put forward by Türkiye and our President are. The result of this attack has also made international law pay great prices. At this point, this agreement is a stage where the ceasefire will turn into permanent peace. Many topics will be discussed within the 60-day period. The process will proceed by addressing these topics.” But we are faced with an extremely fragile situation. There are many issues, from the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to the lifting of the US blockade. In fact, we see that the ministers of the genocide government in Israel are already making radical statements to sabotage this process and to take a strong stance against the Israeli aggression that threatens the process. The warnings of the US Vice President on this issue should be underlined. “The point reached is important for world peace. This 60-day period should be evaluated in a way that is free of tensions and threats. There is no way forward by increasing tensions or threats,” he said.

“BAHÇELİ’S STATEMENTS SHOW HIS DETERMINATION”

When asked whether the statements made by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli regarding the early election debates were evaluated in the party organs, Çelik said, “Mr. Bahçeli’s statements are extremely important. For our party, our presidential candidate in the upcoming elections is Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. All authorized bodies of our party have a very clear and determined stance on this issue. We welcome Mr. Bahçeli’s statements with gratitude. This is the unity and solidarity of the People’s Alliance, Mr. “It was a statement showing our president’s agreement and determination regarding his presidential candidacy,” he said.

“WE ARE NOW IN A NEW PHASE IN THE TERROROR-FREE Türkiye PROCESS”

When asked about the claims that the legal regulation for the terrorism-free Türkiye process will be on the agenda before the Turkish Grand National Assembly goes on recess, Çelik said the following:

“Our work on terrorism-free Turkey continues uninterruptedly. Very important progress has been made within Türkiye. We are now at a new stage. A legal framework will emerge to ensure that the requirements of the commission report are fulfilled, to lay down arms and to completely end the existence of the terrorist organization and its illegal structures. We think that the emergence of this legal framework should be evaluated on the agenda of the Parliament as soon as possible. This is important in terms of Türkiye’s national security, Turkey Century targets, terrorism-free region and terrorism-free Turkey targets. For this legal framework, all political It is extremely important for parties and circles to contribute. The opinions of those who support, those who contribute, and those who try to contribute in an equitable manner are very important. Turkey has the ability to overcome this issue with the common will, the experience of the state, and the values of the nation. Our experience over the centuries has a high capacity to bring these processes to an end without any compromise, without compromising the qualities of our state and the values of our nation. A legal regulation should be made within this framework. “After its emergence, it has been determined by the state institutions that the terrorist organization has laid down its weapons, and this process will be completed with the approval of this determination by the National Security Council and the appreciation of our President.”

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced that a circular was sent to the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office of 175 High Criminal Courts to carry out faster judicial processes against criminal organizations. Minister Gürlek said, “The investigations will be carried out by our public prosecutors specialized in organized crimes, more than one prosecutor will be assigned when necessary, an uninterrupted and zero-tolerance coordination will be ensured with law enforcement units, and no criminal will be given any respite.” he said.

CIRCULAR WAS SENT TO 81

In this context, upon our instruction, a new and comprehensive circular on “Fighting Against Organized Crime Organizations” was sent to the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office of 175 High Criminal Courts in 81 provinces by our General Directorate of Criminal Affairs.

By circular; It is aimed to carry out judicial processes in a faster, more effective and comprehensive manner against criminal organizations that are structured in cities, exploit our children and youth, make criminal propaganda on social media, and dare to intimidate our citizens with extortion, threats, plunder and armed actions.

“NO CRIMINAL WILL BE MADE TO BREATH”

Investigations; It will be carried out by our public prosecutors who specialize in organized crimes, more than one prosecutor will be assigned when necessary, uninterrupted and zero-tolerance coordination will be ensured with law enforcement units, and no criminal will be allowed to breathe.

These structures are not only with their hitmen on the streets; They will be targeted for rooting out, along with their managers, instigators, financial sources, and the proceeds of crime they attempt to launder through crypto assets, illegal betting, and similar methods.

All sanctions stipulated by our legal system will be applied in the most severe way against those who try to draw our children and young people into the dark web of criminal organizations, and the fact that the punishment will be increased in case of abuse of children for organizational purposes will be meticulously observed in all investigations.