The Economic Cooperation Organization Educational Institute (ECOEI) is pleased to highlight a significant achievement of its Member State Türkiye’s higher education system in the preparations for the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), to be held in Antalya, Türkiye on 9-20 November 2026.
Under the leadership of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Türkiye’s higher education institutions responded strongly to a call aimed at bringing the country’s scientific knowledge, research capacity and academic expertise into the COP31 climate action process. The initiative has mobilised 2,767 unique participants, who submitted a total of 3,373 applications from national and international academic communities.
The scale and diversity of participation demonstrate the capacity of Türkiye’s higher education sector to contribute knowledge, innovation and practical solutions to global climate challenges. Applications cover a broad range of areas, including research, technology and innovation; university–industry collaboration; international academic cooperation; events, panels and workshops; and COP31 preparation and awareness activities.
The academic contributions address 10 key themes: zero waste and the circular economy; oceans and seas; food security and sustainable agriculture; climate-resilient cities; strengthening climate action; youth and education; green industrialisation; clean energy transition; Rio Synergy; and resilient health systems.
The breadth of engagement is particularly noteworthy. The initiative has generated 1,670 applications in research, technology and innovation, 166 in university–industry collaboration and innovation, 180 in international academic collaboration, 867 for events, panels and workshops, and 490 related to COP31 preparation and awareness.
For ECO Member States, Türkiye’s experience demonstrates how higher education institutions can serve as important actors in advancing climate action by connecting scientific research with policy, industry, international cooperation and public awareness. The mobilisation also illustrates the potential of universities to contribute to major international processes not only through academic research, but also through partnerships, knowledge exchange and public engagement.
ECOEI congratulates the Council of Higher Education, Türkiye’s universities, researchers, academics and all participating institutions for their strong engagement in the COP31 process. Their contribution reflects the growing role of higher education in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development across the ECO region.
As Türkiye prepares to host COP31 in Antalya, the active participation of its higher education community represents an important contribution to ensuring that science, knowledge and innovation remain at the heart of climate action.