ISTANBUL: The first-ever D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Environment concluded in Istanbul on July 17 with the unanimous adoption of the Istanbul Declaration, reaffirming member states’ commitment to strengthening climate action and enhancing cooperation ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).
Held under the theme, “Preparing for COP31: Advancing Climate Implementation through International Cooperation,” the meeting was chaired by Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, who will serve as the President-designate of COP31. The ministerial session was preceded by a Senior Officials’ Meeting on July 16.
The gathering brought together ministers and senior officials responsible for environment and climate affairs from all nine D-8 member states, marking the organization’s first ministerial platform dedicated exclusively to environmental and climate cooperation.
Addressing the meeting, Minister Kurum highlighted the D-8’s potential to contribute to the global climate agenda through its geographic reach, population and economic capacity. He outlined the priorities of the incoming COP31 Presidency and emphasized the importance of practical implementation, international cooperation and a stronger collective voice for developing countries in global climate negotiations.
D-8 Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood described climate change as one of the most pressing development challenges facing member states. He welcomed the COP31 Presidency’s emphasis on implementation, adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, and a just transition.
He stressed that economic growth, environmental protection and climate resilience must advance together through technology transfer, knowledge sharing, innovative financing and stronger South-South cooperation. He also underscored the need to translate commitments into practical action and welcomed the consensus reached through the adoption of the Istanbul Declaration.
The secretary-general proposed enhanced consultations among D-8 member states ahead of COP31 through an appropriate coordination mechanism. He also suggested establishing a joint D-8 presence at COP31 in Antalya, including a D-8 Pavilion and side events to showcase the organization’s collective priorities, member states’ climate initiatives and practical solutions.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to stronger climate action while outlining national priorities and approaches based on their respective development needs.
The meeting acknowledged the growing contribution of D-8 countries to global climate governance, following Egypt’s hosting of COP27, Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 and Türkiye’s preparations to host COP31 in Antalya from November 9 to 20, 2026.
The Istanbul Declaration outlines a framework for expanding D-8 cooperation on climate resilience, environmental protection and sustainable development. It expresses collective support for Türkiye as host and president of COP31 and calls for shifting the global climate agenda from commitments to implementation through concrete actions, accessible climate finance, technology transfer and stronger international cooperation.
The declaration also endorsed the development of a D-8 Adaptation Action Framework (2026-2030), welcomed the proposed D-8 Environment and Climate Cooperation Platform, and called for a long-term roadmap covering adaptation, loss and damage, climate finance, just transition, clean energy, circular economy, zero waste, resilient cities, green economy and environmental education.
It further highlighted the Istanbul Initiative for Climate Action and Sustainable Development as a voluntary framework to promote climate resilience, sustainable development, green investment, technology cooperation and implementation-focused partnerships across D-8 member states.
The ministers also reaffirmed the role of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the private sector, academia and youth in promoting innovation, accelerating the green transition and advancing sustainable economic development.
The meeting marked a significant milestone for the D-8 by introducing environment and climate change as a new strategic pillar alongside the organization’s traditional focus on economic cooperation.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Secretary-General Sohail Mahmood held talks with Minister Murat Kurum to discuss preparations for COP31, implementation of the ministerial outcomes and expanding institutional cooperation between the D-8 Secretariat and Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Their discussions also covered climate resilience, sustainable urban development, circular economy, environmental governance and green growth initiatives across D-8 member states.
The secretary-general commended Minister Kurum’s leadership in convening the inaugural ministerial meeting and thanked the Government of Türkiye, particularly the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, for hosting the event. He also acknowledged the constructive participation of all member states in advancing implementation-oriented climate cooperation ahead of COP31.
