Turkey clamps down on civil-society climate summit ahead of COP 31 in Antalya

Turkish civil-society organisations are planning a five-day alternative climate summit called "Halkların İklim Zirvesi" to run alongside the UN-led COP 31 in Antalya. The unofficial meeting, organised by unions and environmental NGOs, aims to discuss nature rights, fossil-fuel phase-out, sustainable food production and anti-militarism, and will feature workshops with participants from the Middle East and the Global South.

Organiser Kıvanç Eliaçık says that municipal support has been withdrawn and a former Antalya mayor was detained after expressing backing for the event, reflecting broader governmental pressure on opposition figures. The alternative summit has secured a cultural centre in an Antalya district, but authorities have warned that demonstrations near the official Expo venue are prohibited, and the scheduled city-centre march may be blocked. COP 31 itself will be held on a purpose-built parking area in a protected zone, with delegations housed in upscale hotels in Belek, a resort known for its golf courses.