COP31 Youth Declaration Published Following International Simulation at ÇOMÜ
The COP31 Youth Declaration, prepared as an outcome of the international COP31 Simulation hosted by Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, was published following the hybrid event held on 19-20 May 2026.
Organized in cooperation with Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, the Australian Consulate in Çanakkale, and the Gallipoli Historic Site Directorate, the simulation brought together 60 student delegates from 10 countries to discuss the future of global climate diplomacy, green transformation, and sustainable development.
Inspired by the Türkiye-Australia cooperation vision within the real COP31 process, the simulation provided young delegates with a platform to experience international climate negotiations and develop joint policy proposals. During the sessions, students represented different country delegations and addressed key global challenges including zero waste, circular economy, ocean protection, climate-resilient cities, youth participation, clean energy transition, green industrialization, food security, and food waste reduction.
The COP31 Youth Declaration reflects the shared vision of young participants for a fairer, greener, and more sustainable world. It emphasizes that climate change is not only an environmental issue, but also a matter of economic resilience, social justice, technological cooperation, food security, and intergenerational responsibility.
The declaration also underlines the importance of youth participation in climate governance. It calls for young people to be recognized not only as the leaders of the future, but also as active climate actors of today.
The international dimension of the simulation was strengthened through the valuable participation of partner institutions including Monash University from Australia, University of Tetova from North Macedonia, Comrat State University from Moldova-Gagauzia, Konkuk University from South Korea, Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University from Kazakhstan, and Urgench State Pedagogical University from Uzbekistan.
Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University expressed its appreciation to all student delegates, academic contributors, organizing committee members, and partner institutions for their contribution to this meaningful process.
The COP31 Youth Declaration has been prepared in both Turkish and English and is planned to be shared with relevant institutions and organizations as a youth-oriented policy output within the COP31 process.
Through this declaration, young delegates send a strong message from Çanakkale to the world: climate action requires shared responsibility, scientific knowledge, international cooperation, and the courage to act for a sustainable future.
