What happened

COP31 has put 2,700 young volunteers into on-site roles following a recruitment process that drew more than 45,000 applications. Applicants came from each of Türkiye’s 81 provinces and from 154 countries, according to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change.

The volunteer group is helping to run the conference in both the Blue Zone and Green Zone. Its work includes receiving delegations, directing visitors to meeting rooms and other locations, and providing interpretation assistance. Of those deployed, 120 came from outside Türkiye. A 350-person team and 50 coordinators accompany the volunteers.

The ministry said 5,679 candidates advanced to training. Recruitment included foreign-language assessment, individual and group interviews, and competency evaluation before 2,700 people were chosen for field assignments.

Why it matters

The volunteer operation forms part of COP31’s day-to-day delivery capacity, particularly for delegations and international participants who need orientation or language support. For attendees, the programme provides an identified route to assistance with navigating the venue and locating sessions.

The ministry said the initiative also seeks to increase young people’s understanding of climate change and sustainability, while giving participants experience in an international event. It brings together young people from Türkiye and other countries around climate issues.

How volunteers are being deployed

Assignments are based on volunteers’ capabilities, the ministry said. Programme representatives stated that volunteers rotate between the Blue and Green Zones so that they can gain experience in different functions.

Examples cited by the ministry include protocol reception at the congress centre, guiding delegations through the Blue Zone, and escorting protocol participants and visitors in the Green Zone. The roles place volunteers in direct contact with delegates, speakers and other conference participants.

Selection in numbers

  • More than 45,000 applications were submitted.
  • Applicants represented 81 provinces in Türkiye and 154 countries.
  • 5,679 candidates moved into the training process.
  • 2,700 volunteers are working on site.
  • 120 of the selected volunteers are from abroad.