Akbank to share electrification and sustainable cooling agenda at COP31

Akbank has announced its programme for the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), taking place in Antalya on November 9–20.

With its “For the World, For All of Us” approach at COP31, Akbank focuses on a future in which economic growth, social well-being and the future of nature share common ground. The bank is preparing to present its strategy, practices and partnerships in industrial green transformation, sustainable supply chains, electrification, sustainable cooling and blue finance.

The events will bring together public institutions, international financial organisations, the real sector, technology companies, SMEs and civil society around shared goals. They will explore how Akbank’s TRY 2.5 trillion sustainable financing target for 2030 will be implemented across sectors, addressing access to finance, technical capacity, risk sharing and impact measurement. The aim is to connect international resources with Türkiye’s transformation priorities and develop new partnership models.

“We are ready to turn this important gathering into concrete action”

Akbank CEO Kaan Gür said: “COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, is a critical gathering for the world’s climate agenda. Türkiye’s hosting such a gathering has special meaning for all of us. Our sector has important responsibilities both during and after this conference. It is critical that the relationships established in Antalya do not end with the conference, but turn into new investments, partnerships and lasting financing models. At Akbank, we are ready to turn this important gathering into concrete action.”

Akbank’s COP31 agenda

November 9: Sustainable agriculture

Akbank, Migros, TARİŞ and KGF will discuss farmers’ and agricultural businesses’ access to finance through the lens of productivity, resilience and agricultural value chains.

November 10: Electrification and cooling

The links between energy, industry and green finance will be discussed. Together with UNDP and sector representatives, Akbank will also share Türkiye’s National Cooling Action Plan, sustainable cooling practices and experience from the field. The educational and upcycling dimensions of the “Dönüşümde Gelecek Var” programme, run in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education, will also feature on the COP31 agenda.

November 13: Climate finance

The day will focus on connecting international resources with Türkiye’s investment priorities. Sustainable borrowing, supply-chain transformation, industrial decarbonisation, carbon pricing, green insurance solutions and SMEs’ access to finance will be assessed with EBRD, IFC, ADB and sector representatives. Inclusive, pioneering financing models and partnerships will be announced.

November 14: Young people, skills and the built environment

Young people’s participation in climate policy and financing decisions will be addressed in an open dialogue. A workshop organised with GYODER will examine the real-estate sector’s transformation needs.

November 15: Regional transformation

Akbank and GEFF Türkiye will bring together businesses from different regions to discuss the needs associated with green investment and financing solutions.

November 16: Circular economy and inclusion in industry

The agenda will include turning waste into economic value, women’s access to industrial transformation investments and finance, and the green transformation of Denizli’s industry.

November 17: Blue economy

Models combining the protection of marine and water ecosystems with economic value creation will be discussed at gatherings involving finance, tourism, science, technology and international organisations.

November 18: A just and inclusive transition

The focus will be on insurance against climate risks, the participation of employees and suppliers in transformation, empowering women entrepreneurs, impact-driven businesses and sustainable procurement models.

November 19: Scaling implementation

The final part of the COP31 programme will discuss linking zero-waste policies with business models and financing. A matchmaking workshop bringing together organisations seeking solutions and ventures developing them will support the conversion of ideas into commercial applications.

Throughout COP31, Akbank will support measurable, concrete climate-finance implementation through gatherings at its Green Zone stand, as well as panels, workshops and experiential spaces on different stages.

Source: Akbank press release, November 8, 2026. English translation of the complete release.

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