World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has met with Türkiye’s Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister and COP31 President-Designate, Murat Kurum, in Geneva as preparations intensify for the COP31 climate summit.

The meeting focused on the relationship between climate action and global trade, including the impact of the green transition on international commerce and opportunities to develop sustainable value chains.

Kurum said the discussions also examined areas where Türkiye and the WTO could strengthen cooperation ahead of COP31, which will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026.

A key focus will be the Finance and Trade Day scheduled for November 13, which will be organised in cooperation with the WTO. The event is expected to bring together discussions on climate, trade, finance and investment, with the aim of connecting these areas to practical climate action.

The meeting comes as Türkiye prepares to use its COP31 presidency to promote dialogue, consensus and implementation, while strengthening international cooperation on climate action.

Okonjo-Iweala’s participation highlights the growing attention to the role of trade and sustainable economic systems in addressing climate change, as governments and international organisations prepare for the Antalya summit