New Delhi: The COP31 president, Murat Kurum, on Tuesday, officially announced Turkey’s 35×35 Electrification Pledge to lift electricity’s share in global energy consumption from 23 per cent to 35 per cent by 2035. Kurum was speaking at a press conference on the second day of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties in Antalya, Turkey, along with UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell.
“The energy market crisis that we have experienced this year has demonstrated just how vulnerable countries can be to price volatility and supply disruptions due to their dependence on imported fuels,” said Kurum in his address, referring to the US-Iran war and the supply chain constraints.
His speech focused on one of Turkey’s flagship initiatives as host and president of COP31 — electrification. The European country, in its agenda, spoke about how an increased global shift to electrification in transport, buildings and industry will accelerate renewable energy and help the world transition away from fossil fuels.
The 35-by-35 pledge is one of the main commitments championed by Turkey and Australia, the co-hosts of this COP. During the press conference, Kurum invited other countries to join in the pledge.
“When we leave from Antalya, we want people to say that something changed after Antalya, and we want them to take decisions based on what happened here in Antalya. We want to be remembered as such,” said Kurum.
In his speech, Kurum also spoke about Turkey’s target of reducing its current carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2035, through integrated measures in transport, energy and industry. He also spoke about the country’s experience in the aftermath of the 2023 earthquake, rebuilding its cities, and even reducing energy intensity in newly-reconstructed buildings by 40 per cent.
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Protests
While Kurum’s speech highlighted the declining costs of renewable energy and rising fossil fuel costs, protesters gathered outside the Blue Zone in Antalya to demand a swift, just energy transition. Activists from 350.org and other international climate action organisations came together to demand concrete commitments from world leaders to end fossil fuel usage and enable a just transition to renewable energy.
“People around the world are demanding an energy system that puts their lives, livelihoods and futures first. We are here to remind governments that the transition cannot happen on the fossil fuel industry’s terms,” said Gina Cortes, an activist with 350.org, in a press release.
Kurum acknowledged the gathering of the protesters during his speech, in response to a media question, assuring attendees that everyone’s safety is guaranteed. He also said that all protests are allowed, and no one is subject to harm or detention for peaceful demonstrations.
As of Tuesday, countries had not officially signed on to the 35X35 pledge by Turkey. However, more than 16 countries are part of a global coalition called Electrify Now, which was launched in June 2026 during the London Climate Action Week and is urging governments to sign on to the pledge at COP31.
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)