Tohumluk Foundation at COP31: Contributing to Global Energy Security
ANTALYA – At Tohumluk Foundation, we brought our work connecting urban and rural communities to an international platform for climate diplomacy and energy security. On Tuesday, November 10, 2026, we participated in the **4th CEEW Leaders’ Dialogue** in Antalya, held as part of the 31st Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP31), jointly organized by Türkiye and Australia.
Hosted by CEEW in collaboration with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and other global partners, the dialogue’s second session addressed “The New Energy Game: Strategic International Partnerships for National Priorities.” Discussions explored supply chain barriers, sanctions, technological competition, and geopolitical risks in an era when developing and emerging economies are prioritizing energy and resource security. Participants were invited to offer proposals addressing energy challenges for 2030 and 2050.
Following the event, İbrahim Girgin, Alternate Member of our Foundation’s Board of Directors, exchanged views with the session moderator, expert speakers from various countries and organizations, and CEEW’s CEO. These discussions explored connections between our Foundation’s experience in local communities and rural development and the broader energy security agenda. Input was also submitted for an issue brief to be prepared by CEEW.
Our Proposal for 2030: Dialogue and Coordination Rather Than More Initiatives
In his assessment of the outlook for 2030, Girgin emphasized that creating more security initiatives does not, in itself, deliver greater security. He noted that fragmented approaches and excessive protectionism weaken collective security, and argued that all initiatives should serve a shared civilization.
Our Proposal for 2050: Capacity Building
Girgin outlined the guiding principle for his 2050 vision:
“The motto for 2050 is capacity building. Capacity enables burden-sharing; burden-sharing leads to equitable decisions; and equitable decisions deliver comprehensive security. Less control and more coordination create lasting capacity.”
He emphasized that this framework applies beyond maritime security, extending to a comprehensive approach to societal and global security—from energy access to household security.
The event brought together senior representatives, academics, and policymakers from leading institutions, including the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), Germany’s NewClimate Institute, Chatham House in the United Kingdom, CEEW in India, Brazil’s E+ Energy Transition Institute, and the UK-based E3G.
From Cities to Villages, from Local Experience to Global Dialogue
For us, participating in COP31 also means bringing the knowledge and experience we have gained in the field into global discussions on climate and energy. We believe local communities must be heard and rural development must receive the attention it deserves in international policymaking. Our participation in Antalya offered a practical example of how local experience can contribute to global dialogue.
We thank İbrahim Girgin for sharing his knowledge and experience, the CEEW team for organizing the event, the international partner organizations, and all the experts who contributed.
At Tohumluk Foundation, we continue sharing knowledge and experience, listening to the questions and needs of local communities, and strengthening solidarity between cities and villages—and between local communities and the wider world.
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