Chapter Zero launches in Türkiye: A Call to Action for Boards in the Wake of Climate Change

The Climate Governance Initiative (CGI), 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 hosted by Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Board Directors Association (BDA), and the launch event allowed 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 the TÜSİAD and the 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.

The Climate Governance Initiative aims to encourage boards of directors around the world to address climate change and to commit to the World Economic Forums´ Principles for Effective Climate Governance (see more), recognising that climate is an integral part of good corporate governance. The Climate Governance Initiative develops and supports national initiatives, called Chapters, that equip their members with the skills and knowledge needed to make climate a boardroom priority.

As one of the initiatives, Chapter Zero Türkiye has a goal to promote responsible business and sustainable development standards among business leaders and decision-makers in Türkiye.  It aims to:

• improve boards’ climate change awareness and understanding of risks and opportunities that climate change brings,
• develop the competences, skills, and knowledge of supervisory and management boards of companies in Türkiye to start addressing and tackling climate change and make climate change a boardroom priority,
• act on the risks and opportunities arising from climate change and at the same time ensure long-term resilience and business success.

To meet these ends, Chapter Zero Türkiye will organise various (live and online) free of charge events, record podcasts, share knowledge and invite its members to events and workshops organised by other Chapters of the Climate Governance Initiative globally.

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. Hosting Chapter Zero Türkiye showcases TÜSİAD’s dedication to addressing climate change and exemplify its commitment to fostering collaboration among Turkish businesses for a more sustainable future.

“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.” said Cevdet Alemdar, Board Member and Chair of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change Roundtable, TÜSİAD.

Arvid Tuerkner, EBRD’s Managing Director for Türkiye, urged the business community to prioritize 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.”

“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,”said Julie Baddeley, Chair of the Climate Governance Initiative.  ”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.”

Mehmet Sami, Chairperson of the Board Directors Association of Türkiye (YÜD/BDA) said “the launch of this initiative is extremely pleasing for our Association, which advocates that boards of directors are the driving force for sustainable growth in Türkiye. In order not to be caught unprepared for the future, sustainability should be embraced primarily at the board level. In terms of new regulations, risks arising from climate change, and the changing preferences and valuation criteria of credit and investment institutions, it is essential for the Board of Directors to establish the sustainability strategy of the organization. We will continue contributing to create this awareness with our project stakeholders to make climate change one of the priority agenda items of boards of directors.”

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. Please join by completing the online form at www.chapterzeroturkiye.com.

Chapter Zero Türkiye has been developed and launched with the financial support of the Climate Investment Fund and the Global Environment Facility.