A roundtable meeting titled “Towards COP31: The Role of the Private Sector in the Climate Action Agenda – Private Sector Consultation Series Turkey” was held in cooperation with the Zero Waste Foundation, United Nations Turkey and UN Global Compact Turkey.

Speaking at the opening of the meeting held in Istanbul Ataşehir, Zero Waste Foundation President and COP31 High Level Climate Champion Samed Ağırbaş said that if public institutions, business world, non-governmental organizations and universities evaluate COP31 effectively, they can make a new beginning in the fields of climate, environment and zero waste.

Stating that 8 million people die every year due to hunger and thirst in the world, Ağırbaş stated that as the Zero Waste Foundation, under the auspices of Emine Erdoğan, the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, they have determined four main priorities: food waste, energy efficiency, water efficiency and women, children and youth.

Stating that they will start a new campaign regarding food waste at COP31 with the support of more than 100 countries and international institutions, Ağırbaş said, “In this 10-year campaign, we will expect commitments from countries, institutions, companies and everyone who wants to have a say in the world. We have to reduce food waste. If we can reduce the current food waste by 20 percent, we can end hunger in the world. Our second priority is energy efficiency. Turkey pays more than 100 billion dollars annually for energy imports.” Under the leadership of our President, Turkey has reached very advanced levels in Europe, especially in solar energy and renewable energy capacity. We believe that we, as the private sector, civil society and all stakeholders, will do our best to move these studies forward.” he said.

Stating that Türkiye’s water resources are quite limited and these resources are being lost day by day, Ağırbaş stated that as Zero Waste Foundation, they do what is necessary to find a solution to the problem when they see harassment or any danger against water resources.

Noting that the groups most affected by climate and climate change-related reasons are women, children and youth, Ağırbaş said, “We have created a new fund in the context of COP31, under the leadership of the Zero Waste Foundation. As the Zero Waste Foundation, we will fund people who have ideas and projects regarding zero waste, climate and environment in different parts of the world, but do not have the financial situation. We will provide funds for them to realize their dreams and tell their own discourse to the world at COP31. We want to continue this success under the umbrella of the Zero Waste Forum.” made the statement.

Ağırbaş stated that they will host more than 5 thousand names from 183 countries of the world, including former presidents, more than 120 ministers and more than 200 metropolitan mayors, at the Zero Waste Forum to be held in Istanbul on June 5-7.

Stating that they will discuss zero waste issues in all aspects at the Zero Waste Forum, Ağırbaş said, “No one should have any doubt that if we do not protect this world together, if we do not work hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, we will all pay the price for the problems that will occur in this world tomorrow.” he said.

“Türkiye IS CREATING SIGNIFICANT MOMENTUM FOR TRANSFORMATIVE ACTIONS”

United Nations (UN) Türkiye Resident Coordinator Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi noted that the global context is more urgent than ever as we move towards COP31.

Emphasizing that climate change is no longer a risk for the future, but a current and systemic problem affecting economies, societies, supply chains, cities, food systems, water security and livelihoods, Ahonsi stated that the role of the private sector in the face of problems is of central importance.

Stating that it would not be possible to achieve the Paris Agreement goals, accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals or ensure a fair transformation without strong private sector participation, Ahonsi said, “The transition to a low-carbon and climate-resistant economy should be fair, inclusive and people-oriented.” he said.

Stating that the focus of the international community is gradually shifting from commitments to implementation, from dialogue to concrete results, Ahonsi said that Türkiye is in a strong position to assume an important leadership role in this transformation process.

Stating that Türkiye has the potential to make significant contributions to global climate goals while advancing sustainable and resilient growth, Ahonsi said, “Türkiye’s Climate Law process, National Contribution Declarations, long-term development priorities, green transformation agenda, sustainable financing studies and efforts to comply with international climate reporting standards create a significant momentum for transformative actions. At the same time, Türkiye’s private sector demonstrates leadership in the fields of renewable energy, sustainable production, circular economy practices, resilient infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, green finance and climate technologies.” he said.

Ahonsi emphasized that close cooperation with the business world and the private sector is needed for transformation, and that is why the series of roundtable meetings is of great importance.

Pointing out that today’s discussions on mitigation and decarbonization, adaptation and resilience, climate finance and corporate climate reporting are extremely timely, Ahonsi said:

“In particular, adaptation and resilience issues need to be approached with as much urgency as mitigation. Climate change impacts such as droughts, floods, extreme temperatures, water scarcity and supply chain disruptions are already affecting businesses and communities in the region. Therefore, investing in resilience is not only an environmental imperative, but also an economic necessity. Similarly, climate finance is one of the most critical elements of transformation. Mobilizing large-scale investments, strengthening mixed financing mechanisms, expanding green financing tools and aligning financial systems with climate targets, low-carbon and climate-friendly “It is vital to accelerate resilient development pathways.”

“WE NEED TO CLOSE THE DISTANCE FASTER”

Güliz Öztürk, Chairman of the Board of Directors of UN Global Compact Turkey, said that in a period when geopolitical risks increase, cost pressures intensify and global uncertainties deepen, the climate agenda may seem to be pushed to the background from time to time, but the fight against climate change is not only “a matter of good times”.

Stating that they are at a critical turning point in terms of climate diplomacy, Öztürk said, “Türkiye’s hosting of COP31 this year offers the opportunity to be an actor that directs the climate agenda, not just following it. The definition of COP31 as “Dialogue, Consensus and Implementation COP” is also a strong indicator of this approach. The increase in Türkiye’s renewable energy capacity in recent years, the development of green financing instruments, preparations for the Emission Trading System and green transformation incentives are critical steps taken in this direction. “Now we need to close the gap between our goals and the current situation faster.” he said.

THY Board Member Melih Ecertaş also stated that climate change is no longer a risk waiting for the world in the future, but a systematic reality that fundamentally shakes today’s economies, ecosystems and ways of doing business.

Stating that the emission reduction and decarbonization topic to be taken in the working group constitutes the main strategy focuses as THY, Ecertaş said, “Our young and energy-efficient fleet planning, operational optimization processes, and most importantly, our commitment to popularize the use of sustainable aviation fuel, that is, pure, are the most basic pillars of our decarbonization road map. We especially see great benefit in synchronizing our supply chain, ground services and all SMEs in our ecosystem with this transformation with us.” he said.

Ecertaş emphasized that, as THY, they are determined to implement international standards at the highest level, and stated that scaling financial instruments such as green bonds, mixed financing models and sustainability-based loans in Türkiye will accelerate the green transformation of the private sector.

After the speeches, family photos were taken, and then the participants divided into groups and held round table meetings.

In the case where 414 defendants, 77 of whom were detained and 5 of whom were “complainant defendants”, were tried regarding the “Imamoğlu profit-oriented criminal organization”, it was decided to release 9 defendants.

The 41st hearing, held by the Istanbul 40th High Criminal Court in the hall opposite the Marmara Closed Penal Institution, continued after a 1-hour break for the detention review.

The court panel, defendants Iraz Bayrak, a business analyst at Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Orhan Gazi Erdoğan, CHP’s IT officer, Mustafa Keleş, son of the detained defendant İBB Sports Club President Fatih Keleş, Kültür AŞ Progress Payments Chief Gökhan Köseoğlu, Büyükçekmece Deputy Mayor Ahmet Şahin, Ekrem İmamoğlu’s brother-in-law Cevat Kaya, businessman Seza Büyükçulha, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality European Side Police Department. It was decided to release Director Hakan Aplak and former Police Department Head Engin Ulusoy.

68 people, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan, Beylikdüzü Mayor Mehmet Murat Çalık and former CHP Deputy Aykut Erdoğdu, IMM Mayor Advisor and MEDYA AŞ Chairman Murat Ongun, IMM Sports Club President Fatih Keleş and İmamoğlu’s lawyer Mehmet Pehlivan, who were suspended from their duties after their arrests. It was decided that the defendant’s detention should continue.

The hearing was postponed to Monday, June 1.

Breaking news… Ankara Regional Court of Justice 36th Civil Chamber announced its decision in the case filed regarding the 38th Ordinary Congress of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) held on 4-5 November 2023.

ABSOLUTE NULL DECISION HAS BEEN MADE

The court ruled that the congresses and congresses in question were held in violation of the principles of intra-party democracy, equality and free will, and deemed the elections invalid due to “absolute nullity”.

In the decision, it was evaluated that the will of the delegates was damaged by relations of interest, confidentiality was violated in the voting processes and this was contrary to public order. For this reason, it was ruled that the congress and congress would be deemed invalid from the date they were held. The court also ruled that all congresses held and decisions taken after this date were invalid. Returning to the period before the congress, it was stated that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the previous party organs should continue their duties. In terms of the Istanbul Provincial Congress, it was stated that the previous administration should continue its duty.

In addition, it was noted that in some files, new administrations were suspended from office with a precautionary injunction and the old administrations were reinstated as a precautionary measure.
The 36th Civil Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice made a historic decision regarding the 38th Ordinary Electoral Congress of the CHP held on 4-5 November 2023 and the Istanbul Provincial Congress on 8 October 2023. The court stated that the congress and congress were invalidated with “absolute nullity” and ruled that both organizations should be canceled from the date they were held.

DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES WERE VIOLATED

In the decision, it was emphasized that the will of the delegates was guided by various interest relations, democratic principles were violated in the election processes and there was a violation of public order. In the court’s reasoned decision; It was stated that criminal investigations, indictments, witness statements, MASAK reports, institutional correspondence and summaries of proceedings were evaluated together. Accordingly, it was concluded that some delegates were given money, were promised job placements in municipalities, were promised candidacy and political positions, and were provided with various benefits such as shopping cards.

Breaking news: According to the decision of the 36th Legal Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice (BAM), the 38th Ordinary Congress of the CHP on 4-5 November 2023 and the Istanbul Provincial Congress on 8 October 2023 were canceled due to “absolute nullity”.

ISTANBUL PROVINCIAL CONGRESS WAS ALSO CANCELED

The court also decided to annul the CHP Istanbul Provincial Congress held on October 8, 2023 and all decisions taken at this congress due to absolute nullity. It was stated that the provincial president and the provincial administration should continue their duties before the Istanbul Provincial Congress.

PRECAUTIONARY DECISION AGAINST ÖZGÜR ÖZEL AND HIS MANAGEMENT

Another striking part of the decision was the provisional injunction decisions. It was stated that the plaintiffs’ requests for precautionary measures were accepted in the cases filed and consolidated in various civil courts of first instance in Ankara, and it was decided that Özgür Özel, who took office with the congress of 4-5 November 2023, members of the Central Executive Board, members of the Party Assembly and members of the High Disciplinary Board were suspended from duty as a precautionary measure.

The court also ruled that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the members of the Party Assembly and the High Disciplinary Board, who served before the congress, should assume their duties as a precautionary measure and reinstate them until the decision is finalized.

“CHP HAS BEEN REMEMBERED WITH MANY THINGS BUT…”

So, what did Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu say to his close circle during this process? Hürriyet Newspaper Ankara Representative Hande Fırat conveyed the details.

Hande Fırat told Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s close circle, “We have no personal expectations, but we have to come with political nullity.” and “CHP has been associated with many things until today, but it has never been labeled as theft.” He stated that he used the expression.

“WILL BELONGS THE NATION, BELONGS TO THE DELEGATES, BELONGS TO THE MEMBERS”

Stating that “the duty of the judiciary is to ensure the rule of law,” Gürlek pointed out that election security applies not only to general elections but also to the internal processes of political parties.

Pointing out that political parties are indispensable elements and supporting pillars of democracy, Gürlek said, “Damaging these pillars means directly damaging democracy. Therefore, this decision is a decision that reinforces our citizens’ trust in democracy and shows that the self-protection mechanisms of democracy are functioning.” made his assessment.

“THE WAY TO APPEAL THE DECISION IS OPEN”

Emphasizing that the rule of law is the state that takes allegations seriously and evaluates them with evidence, Gürlek continued as follows:

“Of course, the appeal of this decision is open. The process will continue to operate within the legal order. It will be of great importance that everyone respects this process, makes their evaluations within the framework of the law, and raises their objections within the legal order. The basic principle for us is clear, the will belongs to the nation, the delegates, the members. The state of law stands tall against every element that casts a shadow on this will. Turkey will continue to strengthen its democracy with law, justice and commitment to the will of the nation.”

Yumaklı and Sudanese Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation İsmet Guraşi attended the 16th Term Turkey-Sudan Joint Economic Commission (KEK) Meeting Minutes Signing Ceremony at the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ). Underlining that the relations between Turkey and Sudan are based not only on a common geography but also on unshakable historical ties and deep unity of heart, Yumaklı explained that it is extremely valuable to hold this meeting after 8 years.

Yumaklı pointed out that KEK is the main execution platform in strategic areas such as trade, investment, agriculture, energy, health and education and said, “I believe that the decisions we took in this meeting will give a new impetus to our relations in the coming period and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between our peoples.” he said. Stating that they are pleased to see that the commercial relations between Turkey and Sudan have developed significantly in the last twenty years, Yumaklı said, “Our bilateral trade volume, which was at the level of 71 million dollars in 2003, reached an all-time high of 680 million dollars in 2022. However, with the effect of the ongoing current conditions in Sudan, our trade volume has reached 390 million dollars as of 2025.” he said.

Yumaklı said that they believe that trade will start to increase again as permanent stability is achieved in Sudan and the economic normalization process accelerates. Pointing out that the goal of increasing the bilateral trade volume to 2 billion dollars in the medium term is achievable, Yumaklı said, “In this context, it is of great importance that the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement and the Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments Agreement signed between Turkey and Sudan come into force.” he said. Yumaklı pointed out that Sudan has significant potential for Turkish investors and contracting companies and continued: “We evaluate that our investments in Sudan have reached the level of approximately 300 million dollars. The Turkish contracting sector has been one of the most concrete indicators of the economic partnership between the two countries, with more than 90 projects worth 3 billion dollars it has undertaken to date. In the coming period, the joint projects to be developed in strategic areas such as agriculture, energy, telecommunications, defense industry, food security and modern irrigation technologies will add a new dimension to our cooperation.” We believe it will bring success.”
Emphasizing that they attach great importance to improving relations with Sudan in areas such as agriculture, health, education and humanitarian cooperation, Yumaklı said, “We have 5 agreements that form the legal basis of our cooperation in the fields of agriculture, water, animal husbandry and forestry. Both parties act with awareness of the strategic importance of cooperation in the fields of agriculture, irrigation and food security in supporting sustainable economic development and strengthening bilateral economic relations.” he said.