She will highlight the transformation of SMEs and the role of women leaders in shaping a green future
The business world is turning its attention to the COP31 Climate Summit, which will be held in Antalya from November 9 to 20 under Türkiye’s hosting and presidency. Bringing together senior representatives from governments, international financial institutions and the business community, the summit’s sessions will help shape a roadmap for climate action and green transformation in the business world.
Esin Güral Argat, President of the Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KUTSO) and Vice President of the Board of Gürok Group, will co-chair a session on Friday, November 13, in her capacity as President of KUTSO, as part of the Emerging Economies and SMEs Working Group, which she co-chairs within the COP31 Business Forum, an initiative led by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB). Esin Güral Argat will also share her views as a panellist at a session organised by the Turkish Businesswomen Association (TİKAD).
Concrete Recommendations for the Transformation of SMEs
On Friday, November 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Esin Güral Argat will co-chair the session titled “Making the Transition Work for SMEs and Emerging Markets: A Global Chamber Dialogue” in her capacity as President of KUTSO. Organised within the framework of the Emerging Economies and SMEs Working Group, the session will address the green transition of SMEs and the working group's key priorities.
“An Opportunity to Demonstrate That We Are Part of the Solution”
Emphasising that SMEs need accessible, low-cost and practical financing models, Güral Argat said:
*“COP31, hosted by Türkiye in Antalya, is an opportunity for the Turkish business community to demonstrate that we are part of the solution when it comes to the climate agenda. Our top priority is to ensure that SMEs are explicitly recognised as a distinct group within the COP process and that a dedicated SME group is established to secure their permanent representation.
In addition, we are developing a roadmap around three key priorities. First, ensuring that concessional climate finance reaches emerging economies in greater volumes and more quickly. Second, enabling SMEs to access the support they need more effectively and easily, from consultancy and financing to implementation. Third, establishing financial and technical support mechanisms to facilitate the adaptation of our exporters facing carbon border regulations.”*
Chambers as Key Drivers of Transformation
Highlighting the pivotal role of chambers in supporting the transformation of SMEs, Esin Güral Argat stated:
*“Chambers of commerce and industry are institutions that SMEs turn to every day for support. This strong connection can position chambers as hubs that guide training, consultancy and transformation processes. Supplier programmes run by large industrial companies can create the same impact throughout the supply chain.
There are strong examples in Türkiye demonstrating that these models deliver tangible results on the ground, and we attach great importance to bringing this experience to international platforms. We hope that the recommendations we have put forward for SMEs will translate into a concrete roadmap in Antalya.”*
Women's Contribution to a Green Future to Be Discussed at TİKAD Panel
As Türkiye’s first and only woman to be elected President of a chamber of commerce and industry, Esin Güral Argat will also take part as a panellist on the same day at the session titled “The Business World of a Green Future: Through the Eyes of Women Leaders”, organised by TİKAD, where she serves as a board member and President of the W20 Türkiye Delegation.
The panel will take place on Friday, November 13, at 2:40 p.m. at the Zero Waste Museum Forum Stage in the COP31 Blue Zone. The session will be moderated by Aslıgül Atasagun.
Bringing together women leaders, the panel will explore women's representation in the business world, their roles in sustainability and green transformation processes, and their contributions to shaping a green future.