INSTANBUL, JUL 20 /DNA/ – The first-ever D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Environment, under the title “Preparing for COP31: Advancing Climate Implementation through International Cooperation” was successfully convened in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 17 July 2026. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of Türkiye and President-designate of COP31.

Preceded by a Senior Officials’ Meeting on 16 July, the Ministerial Meeting brought together Ministers and senior representatives responsible for environment, climate change and related portfolios from all nine D-8 Member States, marking the first ministerial platform dedicated exclusively to environmental and climate cooperation in the history of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8).

In his wide-ranging address, Minister Murat Kurum highlighted the D-8’s significant potential to contribute to the global climate agenda, given its geographic reach, demographic strength, and collective economic potential. He elaborated in detail the incoming COP31 Presidency’s core priorities as well as comprehensive Action Agenda. The Minister emphasized that the shared determination of D-8 Member States would be particularly important in advancing COP31’s implementation-oriented approach and strengthening the voice of developing countries in international climate processes.

Delivering his statement, H.E. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization, emphasized that climate change had become one of the defining development challenges confronting the D-8 Member States. Appreciating the COP31 Presidency’s strong emphasis on implementation, he lauded its focus on adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, and a just transition. The Secretary-General stressed that economic growth, environmental protection, and climate resilience must advance together — supported by technology transfer, knowledge-sharing, innovative financing, and enhanced South-South cooperation. He further underscored the importance of translating commitments into practical cooperation and welcomed the consensus achieved through the adoption of the ‘Istanbul Declaration.’

Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood also proposed that D-8 Member States intensify consultations in the lead-up to COP31 through an appropriate coordination mechanism, while exploring opportunities to establish joint D-8 presence in Antalya, including a joint D-8 Pavilion and side events to showcase both the Organization’s collective priorities as well as Member States’ practical initiatives and climate solutions. He reaffirmed the D-8 Secretariat’s readiness to support the COP31 Presidency and Member States in advancing a balanced, implementation-oriented and development-focused climate agenda.

In their respective interventions, the participants reaffirmed commitment to enhanced climate action, while outlining their perspectives in light of national circumstances and aligned to their national development priorities. Building on the successful hosting of COP27 by Egypt and COP29 by Azerbaijan, and the upcoming COP31 in Antalya from 9 to 20 November 2026, the Meeting underscored the growing contribution of D-8 Member States to global climate governance.

The Ministerial Meeting concluded with the unanimous adoption of the ‘Istanbul Declaration,’ a comprehensive outcome document that delineates a forward-looking framework for enhanced D-8 cooperation on environment, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

The Declaration inter alia expresses the collective support of D-8 Member States for the Republic of Türkiye in its capacity as the host and Presidency of COP31 and underscores the importance of shifting the global climate agenda from commitments to implementation through concrete actions, accessible climate finance, technology transfer, and strengthened international cooperation.

Reflecting the common priorities of developing countries, the Ministers agreed to initiate work on a D-8 Adaptation Action Framework (2026-2030); welcomed the proposed D-8 Environment and Climate Cooperation Platform; and agreed to work on developing a practical roadmap for long-term D-8 environmental cooperation covering adaptation, loss and damage, just transition, climate finance, zero waste, circular economy, resilient cities, clean energy, green economy and environmental education. The Declaration also highlighted ‘Istanbul Initiative for Climate Action and Sustainable Development’ as a voluntary framework to promote climate resilience, sustainable development, green investment, technology cooperation and implementation-oriented partnerships across the D-8 region. They also reaffirmed the critical role of MSMEs, the private sector, academia and youth in driving innovation, accelerating the green transition, and advancing sustainable economic development.

The successful convening of the Ministerial Meeting represents an important milestone for the D-8, broadening the Organization’s cooperation agenda by introducing environment and climate change as a new strategic pillar alongside its traditional economic cooperation priorities. It further demonstrates the determination of D-8 Member States to strengthen collective responses to shared environmental challenges while contributing constructively to global climate governance.

On the sidelines, the Secretary-General had a bilateral meeting with Minister Murat Kurum, during which they discussed strengthening institutional cooperation between the D-8 and the Environment Ministry, preparations for COP31, implementation of the outcomes of the Ministerial Meeting, and opportunities to deepen collaboration on climate resilience, sustainable urban development, circular economy, environmental governance and green growth initiatives across D-8 Member States. The Secretary-General lauded Minister Murat Kurum’s pioneering initiative and leadership in convening the Ministerial meeting. He also conveyed sincere appreciation to Government of Türkiye, particularly Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, for hosting the Meeting, and to all Member States for their constructive engagement and valuable contributions to advancing practical, implementation-oriented cooperation ahead of COP31 and beyond.