The Ankara University National Center for the Sea and Maritime Law (DEHUKAM) organised the side event “Climate Change and Competition at Sea: New Routes, Resources and Security” on 9 November 2026 at the Türkiye Oceans and Seas Pavilion as part of COP31.

Opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Dr. Necdet Ünüvar, Rector of Ankara University, and Süleyman Önel, Chair of the DEHUKAM Board of Directors. Moderated by Prof. Dr. Harun Tanrıvermiş, Vice Rector of Ankara University, the panel featured Dr. Mustafa Başkara, Director of DEHUKAM; Prof. Dr. Sadullah Levent Kuzu, Director of the UNEP/MAP Regional Activity Centre for Climate Change; and Captain (Navy) Osman Diler, Chief of Staff of the NATO Maritime Security Centre of Excellence.

The event examined the impacts of climate change on maritime security, new maritime routes, resource competition and critical maritime infrastructure. With particular attention to the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, discussions explored the integration of scientific data into decision-making, the enhancement of climate resilience and the strengthening of international cooperation. The role of international law and maritime governance in supporting climate adaptation was also addressed.