Our application for institutional participation—on behalf of GÜKÇAM—in the "Culture at COP31" platform, established as part of the preparations for the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (to be held in Antalya from November 9–20, 2026), has been accepted.

Within the framework of COP31, we aim to address the role of women in the preservation and intergenerational transmission of cultural heritage, as well as topics such as traditional ecological knowledge, social resilience, climate justice, and the importance of gender-responsive climate policies. Furthermore, we intend to explore the relationship between climate change and public health—from the perspective of medical education—by bridging traditional ecological knowledge with scientific health knowledge.

I believe that GÜKÇAM’s interdisciplinary academic expertise will allow us to make unique and meaningful contributions to this international process by examining the connections between cultural heritage, gender, climate change, and health through a holistic lens.

Throughout this significant undertaking, the knowledge, experience, and suggestions contributed by our members—hailing from diverse disciplines—will be invaluable in refining GÜKÇAM’s contributions and shaping our future initiatives. I am confident that collective thinking, the sharing of our insights and experiences, and the development of collaborative projects will strengthen both our center’s international visibility and its societal impact.

Thank you in advance for your contributions and cooperation. I look forward to this process leading to productive, impactful, and enduring work for GÜKÇAM.

With respect and best regards,

Prof. Dr. Nesrin Çobanoğlu Yüksel

Founding Head of the Department of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine

Director of GÜKÇAM