Ottoman military band welcomes delegates to COP31 summit in Turkey

An Ottoman military band greeted international delegates on Wednesday, 11 November, as world leaders arrived in Antalya, Turkey, for the COP31 climate summit. Euronews reported that members of the Turkish Ministry of National Defence Mehter Band wore traditional uniforms and played marches at the venue. Foreign visitors clapped, danced, and filmed the welcome on their phones. [1]

The arrival of world leaders comes as diplomatic activity builds at the conference. The New York Times reported that President Trump refused to send an American delegation to the summit in Turkey. Meanwhile, Renewables Now reported that Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed a three-gigawatt wind energy deal at the event, and the Guardian reported that the United Nations chief urged host countries Turkey and Australia to translate fossil fuel promises into action. [2][3][4]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, representatives from nearly 190 countries gathered for the summit, with leaders from more than 90 nations scheduled to attend. The COP31 summit is held at the Expo Center in Antalya from 9 November to 20 November 2026. Australia is leading negotiations at the conference after reaching a compromise with Turkey. [5][6]

The international talks are taking place during the strongest recorded El Nino weather system. Global carbon emissions are projected to fall by 0.4 per cent in 2026, while Europe has warmed by 2.3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. [5][6]