Message from Cevdet Yılmaz to the business world: A climate policy that does not see the private sector cannot succeed

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz told the COP31 Business and Investment Summit in Antalya that climate policy cannot succeed without private-sector involvement, saying “a climate policy that does not see the private sector cannot succeed.” The summit focused on converting climate targets into investment, energy security and financing the green transition. Yılmaz’s remarks signal that Ankara wants business participation embedded in its climate strategy rather than treated as an afterthought. The comments matter because Turkey’s ability to attract green finance and meet its emissions goals depends heavily on private capital. Watch for follow-up signals on investment incentives and financing mechanisms for the green transition ahead of COP31.