Antalya – 11 November 2026
Dr. Behzad Saberi Ansari, Deputy Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), representing the Organization at COP31, attended the Opening Session of the Antalya Leaders’ Summit and the Official Opening of the High-Level Segment on 11 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye. Hosted by the Republic of Türkiye, the Summit featured opening addresses by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
According to figures announced by the host country, the Summit is expected to bring together 102 high-level representatives from 95 countries and seven international organizations, including 37 Heads of State and 35 Heads of Government, while the broader COP31 Conference is expected to welcome more than 300 ministers. The discussions focus on accelerating global climate action, strengthening climate finance and adaptation, advancing clean energy transitions, and reinforcing international commitments under the Paris Agreement.
ECO’s participation underscores the Organization’s commitment to addressing shared regional climate challenges, particularly drought, water scarcity, food security and disaster risks. This commitment was also reflected in the COP31 side event jointly organized by ECO, the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and the World Food Programme (WFP), with the participation of FAO, which highlighted the importance of climate resilience, early warning and early action, innovative technologies and international cooperation in strengthening food security. Through such initiatives, ECO continues to promote regional and international partnerships for sustainable and climate-resilient development.
