Resilient Cities as Key Priority for COP31

Why Türkiye’s earthquake recovery shapes the COP31 agenda

Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister, has placed resilient cities at the heart of COP31. As president-designate for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Antalya, scheduled for November 9 to 20, 2026, he is drawing on Türkiye’s experience rebuilding after the catastrophic 2023 earthquakes. This focus marks a deliberate shift. Instead of abstract commitments, the conference aims to present working models of climate-adaptive urban development that other countries can study and apply.

The timing is significant. By early 2026, Türkiye had delivered over 455,000 climate-sensitive housing units in the earthquake zone. This rapid reconstruction, completed in roughly two years, provides tangible evidence that large-scale urban resilience is achievable. Consequently, COP31 will use Türkiye’s rebuilt cities as a case study for delegates from nearly 200 countries. The summit will examine how disaster recovery can integrate modern urban planning, anti-seismic standards, and climate adaptation in a compressed timeframe.

For UK businesses, this matters for several reasons. First, resilient urban infrastructure represents a growing market. Second, supply chains increasingly depend on cities that can withstand climate shocks. Third, public sector suppliers face mounting pressure to demonstrate climate adaptation in their project work. Understanding how Türkiye approached this challenge offers practical insights for firms working on urban development, construction standards, and infrastructure resilience.

What happened in February 2023 and why it changed urban policy

The Turkey-Syria earthquakes struck on February 6, 2023, at 04:17 Turkish time. The first quake measured 7.8 on the moment magnitude scale. Nine hours later, a 7.6 aftershock followed. Together, these events devastated 11 provinces in southern Türkiye and parts of northern Syria. The death toll in Türkiye exceeded 56,000, including Syrian nationals. Around 120,000 people were injured. Millions were displaced from their homes.

Economic losses reached approximately $150 billion, equivalent to 15% of Türkiye’s annual GDP at that time. The physical destruction exposed serious flaws in existing building practices. Many structures had been built without proper seismic standards. Zoning amnesties had allowed construction in high-risk areas. Enforcement of building codes had been inconsistent across regions.

The scale of the disaster forced immediate policy changes. Türkiye’s government launched what officials called the reconstruction of the century. By the end of 2025, authorities had allocated $91.5 billion for housing, infrastructure, and disaster risk reduction. An additional $2.3 billion in grants went specifically to water and sewer systems. Lottery draws allocated 433,667 homes and 21,690 workplaces to displaced residents and business owners.

New construction applied strict criteria. Buildings had to meet modern anti-seismic standards. Authorities prohibited development on fault lines, in liquefaction zones, and near stream beds. Urban plans incorporated climate considerations from the outset. This approach transformed disaster response into an opportunity to embed resilience permanently into the built environment.

COP31 priorities extend beyond housing to nine focus areas

Minister Kurum outlined nine priority areas for COP31 at the 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin on April 21 to 22, 2026. Resilient cities lead the list, but the agenda also covers zero waste and circular economy, clean energy, industrial decarbonization, sustainable competitiveness, ocean and ecosystem protection, food security, and climate-resilient agriculture. Youth participation rounds out the priorities.

The conference will take place at Antalya’s EXPO Center. Türkiye is co-hosting with Australia, which will lead the negotiation process. The format aims to balance diplomatic leadership with practical outcomes. Kurum described the approach as results-oriented, based on dialogue, compromise, and action. He emphasized that the summit would follow an inclusive model where no one is left behind.

This language connects to the Baku to Belém Roadmap, agreed at previous climate conferences. That roadmap commits developed nations to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance for developing countries by 2035. Türkiye’s reconstruction spending demonstrates the scale of investment required for urban resilience. However, it also shows that such investment is feasible when political will and clear standards align.

By late 2025, most earthquake reconstruction had been completed. New hospitals were operational. Infrastructure projects continued through 2026. This timeline means COP31 delegates will visit functioning examples of resilient urban design rather than theoretical proposals. The physical evidence strengthens Türkiye’s credibility on this agenda.

Reconstruction costs and housing delivery set benchmarks for urban resilience

The numbers from Türkiye’s reconstruction program provide concrete benchmarks. Over 455,000 housing units were built and delivered within approximately two years. This represents one of the fastest large-scale housing programs implemented under modern seismic and climate standards. The $91.5 billion allocated by the end of 2025 covered not just buildings but supporting infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and public services.

Grants totaling $2.3 billion went to water and sewer systems alone. This investment recognizes that resilient housing requires resilient utilities. A climate-adapted building is of limited value if water supply fails during heatwaves or sewers overflow during heavy rainfall. Therefore, the program treated urban resilience as a system-level challenge rather than a collection of individual buildings.

The lottery system for allocating homes and workplaces introduced transparency into a process that could otherwise have been vulnerable to corruption or favoritism. By using objective criteria and public draws, authorities built trust with displaced populations. This social dimension of resilience often receives less attention than engineering standards, yet it proved essential for program acceptance and speed.

Economic losses from the earthquakes had been estimated at $150 billion, approximately 15% of GDP. The reconstruction spending of over $90 billion represents substantial public investment but falls well short of total losses. This gap highlights a critical point for businesses. Disaster recovery is always partial. Consequently, prevention through resilient design offers better value than paying for reconstruction after the fact.

How UK firms encounter urban resilience in tenders and supply chains

Urban resilience affects UK businesses through multiple channels. Public sector contracts increasingly require suppliers to demonstrate climate adaptation measures. For example, construction firms bidding for infrastructure work must show how designs account for flooding, extreme heat, and other climate risks. This requirement applies whether the project is in the UK or overseas.

Supply chains also depend on urban resilience. Manufacturing firms rely on transport networks that function during extreme weather. Service companies need clients whose premises remain operational during heatwaves or storms. As climate impacts intensify, business continuity increasingly depends on whether the cities hosting suppliers, customers, and staff have adapted their infrastructure.

International development represents another area where these issues surface. UK companies working on projects funded by development finance institutions must meet resilience criteria. Donors want assurance that infrastructure will withstand foreseeable climate conditions over its design life. Türkiye’s reconstruction offers a recent example of how these standards can be applied at scale.

Energy efficiency and emissions reduction also intersect with urban resilience. The 455,000 homes built in Türkiye incorporated climate-sensitive design. This typically means better insulation, which reduces heating and cooling demand. Lower energy consumption means lower operating costs for residents and lower emissions overall. Therefore, resilience and decarbonization often reinforce each other when designed correctly.

Professional services firms advising on property, development, or urban planning face growing client demand for resilience expertise. Investors want to understand climate risks to their portfolios. Developers need to future-proof projects against physical risks that could affect valuations. Consequently, understanding how other countries have approached urban adaptation provides valuable comparative knowledge.

What the summit agenda means for climate finance and implementation

COP31’s emphasis on resilient cities shifts attention from targets to delivery. Previous climate conferences have focused heavily on emissions reduction commitments and finance pledges. While these remain important, Antalya will spotlight how money gets spent and whether investments produce lasting results. This focus responds to criticism that climate finance often flows slowly and achieves less than promised.

The $1.3 trillion annual target under the Baku to Belém Roadmap is intended for developing nations. However, middle-income countries like Türkiye also face massive adaptation costs. The earthquake reconstruction demonstrates that even a relatively wealthy developing country must dedicate enormous resources to urban resilience. Poorer nations with weaker institutional capacity face steeper challenges.

Minister Kurum’s statement that no one will be left behind carries specific implications. It suggests COP31 will address how smaller cities and rural areas can access resilience finance, not just major metropolitan centers. It also implies attention to vulnerable populations within cities, who typically suffer most from climate impacts. Whether the summit delivers on this promise will depend on negotiating outcomes and follow-up mechanisms.

Australia’s role as co-host and negotiation leader adds complexity. Developed nations want developing countries to adopt ambitious emissions targets. Developing nations want guaranteed finance for adaptation and loss and damage. Türkiye’s position as a bridge between these groups may help find compromise, but fundamental tensions remain. The summit’s success will partly depend on whether resilient cities can serve as common ground.

Specific lessons from the Turkish reconstruction model

Several elements of Türkiye’s approach merit attention. First, the program combined speed with quality. Delivering 455,000 homes in two years required industrial-scale construction, yet authorities maintained standards. This balance is difficult to achieve and required strong coordination across government agencies, contractors, and regulators.

Second, the program integrated multiple hazards. New zoning prohibited construction in fault zones, liquefaction areas, and flood-prone locations near streams. This multi-hazard approach recognizes that climate adaptation must address compound risks. A building designed only for earthquakes may still fail during flooding. Therefore, comprehensive risk assessment underpins effective resilience.

Third, infrastructure received equal attention to housing. The $2.3 billion investment in water and sewer systems ensured that utilities matched building standards. Too often, reconstruction focuses on visible structures while neglecting underground networks. When those networks fail, buildings become uninhabitable regardless of their structural integrity.

Fourth, transparency mechanisms helped maintain public trust. The lottery system for home allocation provided clear, objective criteria. In the aftermath of disaster, when social cohesion is fragile, procedural fairness matters enormously. This lesson applies beyond post-disaster settings to any large-scale public program affecting many stakeholders.

Fifth, the program addressed economic as well as residential needs. Allocating 21,690 workplaces alongside homes recognized that livelihoods must be restored alongside shelter. Economic resilience supports social resilience. People can remain in rebuilt areas when employment opportunities exist locally, reducing secondary displacement and supporting community recovery.

What UK businesses should consider before COP31 and beyond

Companies should assess their exposure to urban climate risks across operations and supply chains. This means understanding which cities host critical suppliers, manufacturing sites, or customer bases. It also means evaluating whether those cities have adaptation plans in place. As Türkiye’s experience shows, unaddressed vulnerabilities can produce catastrophic disruptions.

Firms working in construction, infrastructure, or property development should review how their standards compare to emerging resilience requirements. COP31 will likely influence procurement criteria for development finance and multilateral projects. Being ahead of these standards creates competitive advantage. Falling behind risks exclusion from growing markets.

Professional services firms should consider how to support clients with resilience planning. This applies to accountants advising on risk management, consultants working on strategy, and lawyers drafting contracts that allocate climate risk. As physical climate impacts intensify, businesses need practical guidance on adaptation, not just emissions reporting.

Supply chain managers should map dependencies on urban infrastructure. Which transport hubs are critical? Which utility networks support key suppliers? What contingency plans exist if those systems fail during extreme weather? Resilience planning requires understanding these interdependencies and working with suppliers to strengthen weak points.

Companies pursuing net-zero commitments should recognize the link between resilience and emissions reduction. Energy-efficient buildings often prove more resilient to temperature extremes. Distributed renewable energy provides backup during grid failures. Circular economy approaches reduce resource dependence. Therefore, climate mitigation and adaptation strategies can reinforce each other when designed together.

Core facts about COP31 and Türkiye’s earthquake recovery

• COP31 takes place November 9 to 20, 2026, at Antalya EXPO Center, with Türkiye and Australia co-hosting and nearly 200 countries participating.
• The February 6, 2023, earthquakes in Türkiye killed over 56,000 people, injured around 120,000, and caused approximately $150 billion in economic losses.
• Türkiye delivered more than 455,000 climate-sensitive housing units in the earthquake zone within roughly two years of the disaster.
• Total reconstruction spending reached $91.5 billion by the end of 2025, with an additional $2.3 billion in grants for water and sewer infrastructure.
• Minister Murat Kurum identified nine priority areas for COP31, led by resilient cities, covering circular economy, clean energy, decarbonization, ocean protection, food security, and youth participation.
• The Baku to Belém Roadmap commits developed nations to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance for developing countries by 2035.
• New construction in earthquake zones must meet anti-seismic standards and avoid fault lines, liquefaction zones, and flood-prone areas near streams.
• Lottery draws allocated 433,667 homes and 21,690 workplaces to displaced residents and business owners through a transparent process.

How firms can prepare for resilience requirements in procurement

Understanding COP31 outcomes will help businesses anticipate changes in procurement standards. Development banks and multilateral institutions often adopt climate conference agreements into their funding criteria. Therefore, decisions made in Antalya may affect project requirements in 2027 and beyond. Firms bidding for infrastructure work should monitor which resilience frameworks gain endorsement.

Carbon reporting already affects public sector tenders through policies like PPN 06/21 in the UK. Similar mechanisms may emerge for physical climate resilience. Suppliers could face questions about how their products or services perform under extreme weather conditions. Companies that can demonstrate resilience testing and adaptation measures will have clearer answers.

Training staff on climate adaptation represents a practical step. While emissions reduction has received significant attention, adaptation expertise remains less common. Understanding how to assess physical climate risks, design resilient systems, and integrate adaptation into projects will become increasingly valuable as requirements expand.

Engaging with industry bodies and standard-setting organizations helps firms stay informed. Groups like the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, and sector-specific trade associations often participate in translating international agreements into practical standards. Being part of these conversations allows companies to shape requirements rather than simply responding to them.

Collaboration with supply chain partners creates shared resilience. No single company can address systemic vulnerabilities alone. Joint planning with key suppliers and customers helps identify mutual dependencies and develop coordinated responses. This approach proved essential in Türkiye’s reconstruction, where coordination across contractors, utilities, and government enabled rapid delivery.

Where to find authoritative information on COP31 and urban resilience

The official United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change website provides updates on COP31 preparations, including negotiation tracks and published documents. The UNFCCC site also hosts previous conference decisions and the text of agreements like the Baku to Belém Roadmap, which informs the finance discussions at Antalya.

Türkiye’s COP31 national portal offers information specific to the host country’s priorities and logistical arrangements. This includes details on the resilient cities agenda and how Türkiye’s reconstruction experience will be presented to delegates. The site also provides updates on side events and exhibition areas where urban resilience projects will be showcased.

The UK government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes guidance on climate adaptation and publishes the UK’s own adaptation planning. While focused on domestic policy, DESNZ resources help businesses understand how international agreements translate into national requirements that may affect procurement and regulation.

For businesses seeking support with carbon reporting, climate adaptation planning, or understanding how COP31 outcomes might affect supply chains and tenders, organizations like SBS provide practical guidance on net-zero programs and compliance requirements. As resilience criteria become more common in procurement, having access to expert advice on both mitigation and adaptation will prove increasingly important.