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Mr President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I want to thank Türkiye and President Erdoğan for hosting this event here in Antalya.
The international agenda rarely fully reflects global realities. Given the impact climate change will have on all of us, it is chronically underrepresented on the agenda. This makes this meeting even more important. We need to focus on what matters most: our common future.
The 1.5-degree goal is hanging by a thread. We already see the consequences in different parts of the globe: devastating floods in Nepal, rising sea levels in coastal and small island states, and wildfires in Europe. No country, regardless of its size, power, or geography, can shield itself from the consequences of climate change. And none of us can tackle it alone.
I would like to underline what I see as three priorities for the success of COP31.
First, there is no solution to the climate crisis without multilateralism.
I am confident that multilateralism is the best tool for addressing global challenges. Climate change is no exception.
The Paris Agreement is our common framework, and its credibility depends on implementation. We must work across political differences and cooperate even with those with whom we disagree. Climate risks cross borders, and so do the consequences of inaction.
At the same time, we should encourage cooperation among those who want to move faster. Flexible alliances and coalitions of the willing are not a threat to multilateralism. Rather, they help us work together even when global structures are in flux.
Second, we should base our response on science and innovation.
Science leaves us little room for complacency. At least a temporary overshoot of the 1.5-degree threshold is unfortunately very likely. But science also shows that the scale and duration of that overshoot are still a matter of choice.
Science and innovation provide solutions. Clean technologies are advancing rapidly, practical solutions are increasingly available, and science helps us identify the most effective measures. The clean transition is happening—it just has to happen much faster.
Better climate research and early warning systems can strengthen preparedness and save lives. Advances in artificial intelligence, satellite data, and digital networks can also help us all adapt to change. In Finland, we have developed strong expertise in these areas, and we stand ready to cooperate with all of you.
Third, climate action also strengthens competitiveness and economic resilience.
The clean transition is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic and strategic opportunity. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, diversifying energy supplies, and accelerating electrification, we can strengthen resilience and create new opportunities for sustainable growth. Broad access to technology can also help reduce global inequalities.
The green transition requires economic incentives. The success of current investments depends on our ability to put a price on future emissions. In Finland, well-functioning carbon markets have played a crucial role in developing expertise in clean energy, industrial decarbonisation, and the circular economy.
We welcome and support Türkiye’s pledge on advancing electrification through COP31, recognizing its potential to strengthen energy security and reduce emissions. Finland has made substantial progress in this transition: already 96 per cent of our electricity production is fossil-free.
Excellencies,
We know the risks of climate change better than ever before. We also have the knowledge and the technologies to address them. Let us seize the opportunity.
Thank you.
