D-8 Holds First-Ever Environment Ministerial Meeting Ahead of COP31

Islamabad, July 21:The Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) held its first-ever Ministerial Meeting on Environment in Istanbul, Türkiye, on July 17 under the theme “Preparing for COP31: Advancing Climate Implementation through International Cooperation.” Chaired by Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, who is also the President-designate of COP31, the meeting marked a historic step in strengthening environmental and climate cooperation among D-8 member states.

Following a Senior Officials’ Meeting on July 16, environment ministers and senior representatives from all D-8 member countries gathered to discuss collective strategies for addressing climate challenges and enhancing the role of developing nations in global climate governance.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Kurum highlighted the D-8’s growing significance in shaping the international climate agenda, citing the bloc’s demographic, geographic and economic strengths. He outlined the priorities of the upcoming COP31 Presidency and stressed the importance of practical, implementation-oriented climate action supported by stronger international cooperation.

D-8 Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood called for closer coordination among member states in the lead-up to COP31 and proposed establishing a joint D-8 presence in Antalya, including a dedicated pavilion and side events to showcase the organization’s collective climate initiatives, innovations and sustainable development efforts. He reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to supporting an inclusive and development-focused climate agenda.

Participants reiterated their commitment to strengthening climate resilience while aligning environmental policies with national development priorities. They also recognized the increasing leadership of D-8 countries in global climate diplomacy following the successful hosting of COP27 by Egypt, COP29 by Azerbaijan and the upcoming COP31 in Antalya from November 9–20, 2026.

The meeting concluded with the unanimous adoption of the Istanbul Declaration, establishing a forward-looking framework to deepen cooperation on climate action, environmental protection, resilience and sustainable development across D-8 member states.