COP31 opens in Antalya today: 196 countries, 90 leaders, 1.5 million visitors

The 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) opens in Antalya on 9 November under Turkey's presidency. The summit will bring together 196 countries, with 90 heads of state and government attending; 1.5 million visitors are expected over the course of the event.

The Blue Zone, where official negotiations will take place, spans 527,414 square metres. It includes plenary halls, delegation offices, pavilions, and a press and media centre. Two plenary halls will be in service: the 1,794-seat "Anadolu" and the 828-seat "Akdeniz." The largest hall in the Green Zone, with a capacity of 5,000, has been named the "Gaza Hall."

As part of security measures, 27,957 personnel from police, gendarmerie, and coast guard units will be on duty. A Crisis Centre established in the Green Zone under the coordination of the Governor's Office will include representatives from police, health, AFAD, fire services, ASAT, Aksu Municipality, AKEDAŞ, and ENERYA. A total of five medical stations along with seven active and two reserve ambulances, and 20 mobile UMKE teams, will be deployed across the Blue and Green Zones.

The transportation plan will utilise 630 low-emission buses sourced from 25 municipalities. The COPART programme — being implemented at a COP meeting for the first time — will showcase the works of approximately 70 foreign and 120 domestic artists.

Following COP31, the summit venue is planned to be used as a festival, exhibition, and congress centre.