A gathering of prominent Turkish actors and national athletes at the Türkiye Pavilion in the Blue Zone of the UN COP31 Climate Change Conference in Antalya has urged global leaders and individuals to take direct responsibility for combating the climate crisis. Emphasizing that immediate steps are required to protect future generations, the figures expressed satisfaction with Türkiye hosting the international summit.
Actor Meryem Uzerli pointed out that COP31 had convened the highest number of world leaders among all COP summits to date. Expressing pride in the hosting effort, Uzerli said, "This is something to be very proud of. Being part of it is an honour for us." Actor Bulent Inal similarly highlighted the importance of the conference, noting the significance of world leaders gathering in the southern Turkish city to confront pressing climate challenges.
Highlighting the need to move beyond policy statements, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and actor Tuba Buyukustun stressed the urgency of climate intervention, stating that decisions made at international forums must now be put into concrete action for the sake of children's future. Actor Baris Arduc remarked that COP31 arrived at a pivotal moment when the climate crisis has reached red-alert levels, adding that following the Paris Climate Summit, the focus must shift entirely from words to action. Actor Ceyda Ates reinforced this demand, calling for decisive steps to safeguard forests, seas, and essential water resources.
National athlete Sahika Ercumen provided a perspective from her time at sea, sharing that she encounters large volumes of waste on a daily basis. Pointing out that water covers roughly 70 percent of the Earth's surface, Ercumen described the assembly of numerous national representatives in Antalya as a critical opportunity to address ocean and environmental degradation.
Addressing the direct impact of environmental change, Demet Sener noted that the climate crisis is no longer a future concern but an emergency actively affecting daily life. Actor Serkan Altunorak described climate change as a shared global challenge that requires every individual to fulfill their responsibilities, while actor Ava Yaman called it deeply meaningful to see such a large, unified gathering assembled to protect nature.
