Turkish Ambassador: China's experience draws global attention as green cooperation gains momentum

By Wang Gaofei, Evelyn

(ECNS) -- Türkiye hopes to make the UN climate conference a platform for turning commitments into concrete action, Turkish Ambassador to China Selçuk Ünal told China News Network at News Lounge.

"Environment and climate change have become the most important, pressing challenges of our world," Ünal said, describing climate change as one of the most urgent issues facing the international community.

The 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) is being held in Antalya, Türkiye, from Nov. 9 to 20. As a host country, Türkiye hopes the conference will focus on implementation and concrete action.

Ünal said multilateral cooperation would be essential to addressing climate challenges, adding that Türkiye also looked forward to working more closely with China in areas including green development, energy electrification and zero waste.

The interview came as China and Türkiye mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, with climate cooperation offering another area for the two countries to deepen their partnership

China's experience draws attention

As China and Türkiye mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, green development and climate cooperation are emerging as important areas for expanding bilateral ties.

Ünal described both countries as responsible members of the international community that attach great importance to multilateralism, saying climate change presents another opportunity for them to work together.

He noted that China's experience in addressing environmental challenges has attracted interest from countries around the world, including those in the Global South.

Many countries could learn from China's experience, he said, adding that Türkiye hopes to strengthen consultations with China on how to better tackle environmental and climate challenges.

Among the priorities Türkiye hopes to advance at COP31 are zero waste and energy electrification.

Türkiye hopes to bring the issue to the forefront of COP31, encouraging all parties and non-party stakeholders to contribute to reducing waste in areas such as food and plastics.

Energy electrification is another area where Türkiye sees room for closer cooperation with China.

Ünal pointed to China's strengths in manufacturing electrical appliances and electric vehicles, as well as its experience in policymaking, which could offer valuable lessons for other countries.

He also highlighted the role of the private sector, saying businesses must be part of the global response to environmental challenges.

"This is a fight for everybody," Ünal said, stressing that governments, state institutions, non-state actors, NGOs, civil society and the private sector all have a role to play.

Türkiye hopes to bring more initiatives to the attention of businesses, including the use of artificial intelligence in electrification and waste management, he said.

The goal, Ünal added, is to help businesses recognize that reducing waste, promoting electrification and tackling pollution are not only beneficial to the environment but also in their own interests.

China's investments in ecological protection, green economy and electrification have already helped put it at the forefront of green development, Ünal said.

He expressed confidence that China would continue to play an important role not only at COP31 but also at future climate conferences.

From pledges to concrete action

Over the past 15 years, international efforts to address climate change have experienced considerable fluctuations, Ünal said, as countries continue to grapple with increasingly pressing environmental challenges.

Against this backdrop, turning commitments into tangible results has become a central challenge for the international community.

"That is our biggest concern," Ünal said, referring to Türkiye's ambition to host "a conference of implementation and concrete action."

For Ünal, climate change is no longer an issue confined to environmental authorities. It also concerns trade, commerce, education, social welfare and a wide range of other public institutions.

Addressing these challenges therefore requires coordinated efforts across government departments and broader participation from society, he said.

But international cooperation does not take place in a vacuum. Political instability, geopolitical tensions, wars and conflicts, as well as differences among countries over climate issues, continue to complicate multilateral efforts, he said.

Ünal further noted that Türkiye hopes to use its geographical position and diplomatic ties to facilitate dialogue among countries and regions.

Situated at the crossroads of Europe and West Asia, Türkiye has close connections with the Middle East, the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Balkans and Europe, among other regions.

"We believe that we can really talk with all state parties. We can have dialogue with them to bring everybody to at least a common denominator. That's our aim from the conference," he said.