ECO Summit backs low-carbon development, supports Türkiye’s bid to host COP31

At the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit on 4 July in Khankendi in Azerbaijan, expressed support to the bid by the Republic of Türkiye to host COP31 in 2026. Antalya has been proposed as host city for COP31.

The 17th Summit theme - 'New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future' - made clear that economic sustainability and climate resilience must be central to ECO’s future.

The Khankendi Communiqué adopted at the event stressed the importance of protecting the region’s ecosystem through sustainable water management, biodiversity protection, and climate-smart agriculture. 

In this regard, participants intend to intensify efforts for transition to low-carbon development by expanding renewable capacity and jointly developing renewable energy infrastructure. 

They welcomed the establishment of the ECO Clean Energy Center and the completion of the process of ratification by a sufficient number of Member States enabling its full operationalization.

Leaders at the ECO Summit have endorsed stronger regional cooperation on disaster risk reduction and resilient infrastructure. Key measures include the development of joint early-warning systems for floods, droughts, and earthquakes, as well as the integration of resilience standards into all new transport, energy, and urban projects across member states.

The Summit also highlighted the importance of sustainable urbanisation as a driver of economic growth, social equity, and environmental responsibility. In a significant development, delegates welcomed the decision to host the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Azerbaijan—the first time the event will take place in the ECO region. Scheduled for 17–22 May 2026, the forum will be held under the theme 'Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.'

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