Cup 31 and the opportunity for Iran's climate diplomacy.
Climate change is no longer a topic limited to special environmental meetings. Decisions made today at the UN climate conferences can affect energy exports, industrial investments, trade relations and even the development path of countries tomorrow. For this reason, the presence of the President of Medical Sciences at the 60th Conference of the Members of the United Nations Climate Change Convention (COP31) in Antalya is a presence that should be sought in the connection between the environment, the economy and the foreign policy of Iran.
On the morning of Wednesday, November 11, 1405, the President arrived in Antalya to participate in this summit, a city that hosts one of the most important international meetings in the field of climate change between November 18 and 20. This meeting of the heads of the conference will take place on November 20 and 12, and will provide an opportunity to present the political positions of the leaders of the countries and the most direct cooperation on the future climate.
Why should Iran be at the negotiating table?
One of the most important aspects of the 31st Cup is its effect on the new rules of the world economy. Energy transition, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, development of renewable resources, carbon capture and storage technologies and environmental standards are no longer just technical choices, but these issues have become decisive factors in the economic competition of countries and in the redefinition of energy markets.
Iran has a dual position on this. On the one hand, the possession of large oil and gas reserves has made the country one of the most important players in the energy equation, and on the other hand, the change in global policy in the field of fossil fuels and environmental standards can affect the future of the country's exports, investments and economic benefits.
Iran's main issue is participation in formulating rules that should not lead to the same restrictions and inflexibility regardless of the difference in the level of development of countries. Developing countries still need the right to choose the path of development, access to energy resources and adequate use of national capabilities. The historical responsibility of the industrialized countries in the formation of the climate crisis and the difference in the economic power of the countries in determining the obligations and cooperation mechanisms must also be considered.