On January 24, 2026, Murat Kurum, the President-Designate for COP31, appointed Samed Ağırbaş as the Climate High-Level Champion. This appointment comes ahead of the UN Climate Conference, set to take place in Antalya this November.
Ağırbaş’s role focuses on practical climate action. While diplomats work on policies at a global level, he will engage with cities, businesses, investors, and community groups that have a direct impact on emissions and resilience. These grassroots efforts are critical in addressing climate change effectively.
Under the Global Climate Action Agenda and the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, Ağırbaş will collaborate with the COP31 Presidency and Dan Ioschpe, the COP30 Climate High-Level Champion. The aim is to bring together voluntary climate initiatives and align them with the UN’s official climate processes.
Ağırbaş is currently the chairman of the Zero Waste Foundation in Türkiye and leads the Zero Waste Forum. He has been a strong advocate for waste reduction, sustainable urban development, and youth involvement in climate solutions, having held leadership roles in various organizations like the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Youth Assembly.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC), praised Ağırbaş, highlighting his blend of experience in multilateral processes and leadership in both private and philanthropic sectors. He stresses the importance of connecting climate action to issues that matter to people, such as health, energy security, and economic growth.
His appointment comes on the heels of the Global Climate Action Agenda, which showcased over 400 climate initiatives during COP30. These initiatives focus on essential areas like clean energy, forest conservation, food systems, and urban resilience. For instance, the Climate Action Agenda generated plans that include a $1 trillion investment pipeline for energy infrastructure and $6.7 billion directed toward protecting tropical forests.
These efforts underscore a growing trend where climate initiatives are gaining financial backing, demonstrating real-world financial engagement in sustainability. Recent surveys indicate strong support among global investors for green initiatives, with 81% believing that sustainable practices enhance profitability.
In summary, Ağırbaş’s leadership is timely and crucial in a landscape increasingly focused on practical solutions to climate challenges. The continued collaboration between varied stakeholders—governments, businesses, and civil society—is essential for making measurable progress in combating climate change effectively.
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Climate High-Level Champion,COP31,Samed Ağırbaş,Türkiye
