Pr of. Halil Hasar, Director of Climate Change, participated in the 5th Istanbul International Water Forum, held under the theme ‘Strengthening Water Resilience: Innovation to Action.’ Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the forum is regarded as one of Trkiye’s leading international platforms on sustainable water governance. The event brought together ministerial delegations, policymakers, and representatives from major international organizations, including the United Nations, OECD, OIC, and the World Bank.
addressing the opening session, Director Hasar emphasized that water has become the most visible and immediate manifestation of the global climate crisis. He noted that COP31, which Trkiye will host this November, represents a historic opportunity to accelerate implementation-oriented climate action. Highlighting the intensifying impacts of climate change, Hasar stated that 2024 has of?cially become the hottest year on record, while disruptions in the hydrological cycle are increasing the frequency and severity of droughts and extreme weather events. Referring to UN ?ndings, he underlinedthat nearly 40 percent of the global population currently lives in waterstressed regions, placing more than 700 million people at severe risk of water scarcity. ‘Water should no longer be viewed solely as a natural resource,’ Hasar said. ‘It must be recognized as a strategic priority for global resilience, security, and sustainable development.