The project brings together research centers, think tanks, universities, and civil society organizations working on climate diplomacy, mitigation, adaptation, and climate finance. With Turkey hosting COP31 in 2026, it provides a platform for participating institutions to exchange perspectives, identify shared priorities, and develop joint activities.
Project activities include online meetings, thematic discussions, an in-person meeting during COP31 in Antalya, and joint policy outputs. These activities aim to build lasting institutional connections and support continued cooperation beyond COP31.
The project runs from April 2026 to March 2027. For further information, please contact project coordinator Akgün İlhan.
Türkiye–Europe Climate Bridge: Closed Meeting & Dinner
Organised by the Istanbul Policy Center–Sabancı University–Stiftung Mercator Initiative, the closed event will take place on Saturday, 14 November 2026 in Antalya. As part of the Türkiye–Europe Climate Bridge, which aims to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between climate policy institutions in Türkiye and Europe, a roundtable meeting will bring together network members from 15:30 to 18:00. The discussion will focus on shared priorities for COP31, joint messages and opportunities for continued cooperation after the conference. A closed networking dinner from 18:00 to 21:00 will then bring together Climate Bridge participants and members of the MercatorGlobe Community, providing an opportunity to build new connections and develop collaborations.
From Data to Action: Advancing Urban Climate Resilience through Nature-Based Solutions and Multilevel Cooperation
Organised by WWF-Türkiye, this side event will take place on 12 November 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30, at the GTF/UCLG Pavilion at COP31 in Antalya. The discussion will explore how nature-based solutions and multilevel cooperation can strengthen urban climate resilience. Tanyeli Behiç Sabuncu, Senior Climate and Energy Consultant at WWF-Türkiye, will moderate the event. Speakers will include Dr. Akgün İlhan, Project Coordinator and Researcher at Istanbul Policy Center, Sabancı University; Charlotte G. Brynielsson, Head of Multi-level Coordination & Climate City Contract 2030 at Viable Cities, Sweden; Reşit Serhat Taşkınsu, Secretary General of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality; Nicolás Azócar, International Affairs Advisor at the Municipality of Renca, Chile; and Jon Andersson, Director for Environment at the City of Lund, Sweden.
Ümit Şahin
Ümit Şahin is Senior Scholar and the Head of Climate Change Program at Istanbul Policy Center.
umit.sahin@sabanciuniv.edu
Akgün İlhan
Akgün İlhan is an academic and researcher who has worked on water management, environmental policy and climate change since 2006.
akgun.ilhan@sabanciuniv.edu