Preparations for the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change are nearing completion in Antalya. Hasar, speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) on the sidelines of the Sustainable Development Goals Symposium organized by the Organization of Turkic States Supreme Audit Institutions (TURKSAI) in Antalya, gave an update on the preparations.
Hasar said work at the event area is 93 percent complete. “We aim to reach 98 percent by the end of October,” he said.
Work is continuing together with UN teams. “We are now carrying out our final preparations and finishing touches,” Hasar said.
Venue Preparations
Hasar said work in the “Blue Zone” has been completed and that the infrastructure and IT facilities in the “Green Zone” are ready. He added that final arrangements are being made in the pavilion areas.
The conference will be held from 9 to 20 November. Hasar said COP31 will be a large-scale international diplomatic summit, with 196 countries and the European Union, 197 parties in total, expected to be represented.
Expected Participation
Hasar said about 100 heads of state are expected to attend. He noted that more than 85 heads of state have already confirmed their participation.
He also said between 500 and 1,000 ministers are expected to take part. Including technical teams and delegation staff, around 25,000 people will be involved, and that figure rises to over 30,000 when negotiators are included. Taking all country delegations into account, he said, around 100,000 experts are expected to come to the COP area.
Hasar said the Green Zone will bring together the public, the private sector, civil society organizations and financial circles. About 100,000 people are expected to enter the area each day.
Tourism and Economic Impact
“COP31 will contribute to Antalya’s tourism and international promotion,” Hasar said. He noted that the city has a capacity of 600,000 beds, but that finding hotel rooms has become more difficult due to the event.
Hasar said high-level delegations from around the world will visit Antalya during the off-season period in tourism, and that the event could provide economic benefits in the years ahead.
He also noted that international financial flows tend to increase in countries that host COP meetings, and said they expect investment in the green transition to accelerate.
Hasar said the EXPO area, where COP31 will be held, covers more than 40,000 square meters. He added that the site should be used for fairs and other events after the conference.
