The Climate Governance Initiative, the global network of non-executive directors promoting climate change awareness and action within businesses is delighted to announce the launch of the 28th Chapter in the network, Chapter Zero Türkiye.
Chapter Zero Türkiye is a partnership between Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the launch event will allow some of the key names of the business community to share their expertise and experience in leading sustainable business practices in their respective fields. The event, hosted by TÜSİAD and EBRD, took place on 18th of July, marking a significant step forward in bringing climate change discussion to the boardrooms of corporate and financial institutions in Türkiye.
TÜSİAD, as the host organisation for Chapter Zero Türkiye, is one of the prominent drivers of sustainable development in Türkiye. With its extensive experience and expertise, TÜSİAD is committed to leading the way in embedding climate change considerations in corporate governance and decision-making processes. The launch event will showcase TÜSİAD’s dedication to addressing climate change and exemplify its commitment to fostering collaboration among Turkish businesses for a more sustainable future.
On the event of the launch, Cevdet Alemdar, Chair of Energy, Environment and Climate Change Roundtable at TÜSİAD, said: “Chapter Zero Türkiye, launched today, addresses the formidable challenge of climate transformation faced by Turkish companies. Led by non-executive directors, this initiative equips business leaders with knowledge, tools, and global connections. By fostering dialogue among board members and management executives, we put special emphasis on supporting climate action in Türkiye. As TÜSİAD, we consider climate change a strategic priority and engage in numerous initiatives and collaborations in this regard. We are deeply honored to host Chapter Zero Türkiye.”
Arvid Tuerkner, EBRD’s Managing Director for Türkiye, urged the business community to prioritise climate response in leadership agendas, saying: “The launch of Chapter Zero Türkiye represents an important milestone in expanding the network’s global reach. Türkiye, with its vibrant business community and dynamic economy, is well-positioned to play a crucial role in the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable future. We are pleased to be collaborating with TÜSİAD to support launch of Chapter Zero Türkiye as part of our mandate in the country and our global cooperation with Climate Governance Initiative and the World Economic Forum. The EBRD will continue to support the companies and financial institutions in Türkiye in developing sectoral low-carbon pathways to accelerate the country’s transition to a greener, more resilient economy.”
Julie Baddeley, Chair of the Climate Governance Initiative’s Governing Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Chapter Zero Türkiye into the Climate Governance Initiative and thank our partners, the EBRD, for their support in helping to create the Chapter. With climate change becoming one of the top issues faced by Boards, we are excited to work with Chapter Zero Türkiye’s host TÜSAID to develop the opportunities and meet the challenges of this agenda.”
Chapter Zero Türkiye’s launch event was open to non-executive directors, board members, senior executives of corporates and financial institutions interested in driving climate action within their organisations. Attendees gained access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals dedicated to addressing climate change and positioning their organisations for long-term success in a rapidly changing world.
Membership of Chapter Zero Türkiye is free of charge and open to non-executive or independent directors, C-level executives, members of management and supervisory boards of corporates and financial institutions, as well as to other interested parties.
You can find out more about joining the Chapter on its website.