Under the initiative of Turkish daily newspaper Dünya Gazetesi, the "Climate Economy and Sustainable Finance Summit" took place at the Istanbul Finance Center. Notable attendees included Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, Investment Office President A. Burak Dağlıoğlu, and Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (TCMB) Governor Fatih Karahan.
The summit brought together leaders, executives, and business representatives from Türkiye's foremost economic and financial institutions. Key discussions focused on Türkiye's sustainable finance roadmap and its alignment with international standards. Additionally, the summit addressed topics such as environmental and social risk management in sustainable banking, as well as innovative approaches and practices in sustainable finance models.
In his opening remarks, A. Burak Dağlıoğlu highlighted Türkiye's pivotal role in sustainability, stating, "Türkiye stands as a significant player in sustainability, emerging among the most prepared countries for new competitiveness in the green economy." Dağlıoğlu emphasized how, under President Erdoğan's leadership, Türkiye has attracted FDI inflows exceeding USD 260 billion over the past twenty years, with 80,000 international companies operating within the country.
“Our focus is on setting these companies up for a sustainable future through energy efficiency, water conservation, and modernized production," added Dağlıoğlu. “We also support technology entrepreneurship, recognizing that small and flexible startups will drive the green transformation. Türkiye's climate initiatives have positioned us as a key partner on the global stage, with over 22 percent of our projects now climate related. Our goal is to lead in green investments and sustainability, contributing to a balanced and just global economy," Dağlıoğlu concluded.
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, in his speech, emphasized the crucial importance of sustainable finance and the climate economy for Türkiye's future. He noted, "Economic development is inherently linked with environmental sustainability. Our goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2053, transitioning to a low-carbon economy. This vision aligns with our broader objectives of social justice and economic growth, ensuring a balanced approach between today's needs and those of future generations."
Yılmaz further stated, "We recognize the role of advanced economies in providing technology transfer and financial support to address climate challenges. Sustainable finance, such as green bonds, plays a major role in funding clean energy, resource-efficient technologies, and biodiversity protection. Türkiye's commitment to sustainable development is reflected in our policy frameworks, such as the Green Deal Action Plan and Sustainable Banking Strategy, aimed at fostering economic resilience and social welfare."
The summit underscored Türkiye's dedication to leading in sustainable finance and climate economy, paving the way for a resilient and environmentally conscious future.