Antalya:Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides highlighted the urgent need for global cooperation to combat climate change during his intervention at the COP31 Leaders' Summit in Antalya. He emphasized that climate change transcends politics and national borders, impacting countries worldwide.

According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides stressed the importance of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative, which involves Cyprus and partner countries in addressing climate issues collaboratively. He noted the severe impacts of climate change on Cyprus, including water scarcity, extreme heat, desertification, and wildfires, underscoring the need for immediate adaptation and resilience measures.

President Christodoulides called for accelerated emissions reductions, a transition away from fossil fuels, and increased renewable energy capacity by 2030. He urged countries to move from declarations to implementation, focusing on investment, climate finance, and a just transition. Highlighting regional cooperation, he mentioned Cyprus's strategic focus on partnerships across the Middle East and Gulf in areas such as water management and renewable energy.

The President also detailed the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative, which unites governments and scientific experts to enhance regional capacity for climate adaptation and resilience. He cited the Cyprus Regional Aerial Firefighting Station, a joint initiative with Jordan and supported by the European Commission, as a concrete example of regional cooperation.

In concluding his remarks, President Christodoulides emphasized that the success of COP31 should be measured by tangible actions rather than promises, urging collective efforts to secure a safer future. Following the summit, he will attend the European Political Community Summit and an informal European Council meeting in Dublin.