Chapter Zero Türkiye Launches Operations

Chapter Zero Turkey Launches Operations: Call to Action for Boards on Climate Change The Climate Governance Initiative (CGI), a global network of independent directors that promotes awareness and action on climate change in businesses, is pleased to announce the launch of Chapter Zero Turkey's operations. Chapter Zero Turkey is an initiative established under the patronage of TÜSİAD, in partnership with the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and the Board Members Association (YÜD). The initiative's launch event provided prominent figures from the business world an opportunity to share their expertise and experience in leading sustainable business practices in their respective fields. Held on 18 July under the auspices of TÜSİAD and EBRD, the event marked an important step in bringing climate change discussions to the boards of companies and financial institutions in Turkey. CGI aims to encourage boards worldwide to consider climate change and adopt the World Economic Forum's Climate Governance Principles (for more information) in order for climate to be recognised as an integral part of good corporate governance. CGI develops and supports national initiatives called Chapters, which provide members with the knowledge and skills necessary to make climate one of the board's priority agenda items. Chapter Zero Turkey, one of these initiatives, is a climate initiative aimed at promoting responsible business and sustainable development standards among business leaders and decision-makers: • Enhancing boards' awareness of climate change and their understanding of climate change-related risks and opportunities, • Developing the competencies, skills and knowledge of audit and management boards at Turkish companies to begin addressing climate change, fighting climate change, and making climate change a board priority, • Acting in response to risks and opportunities arising from climate change while ensuring businesses' long-term resilience and success. To achieve these objectives, Chapter Zero Turkey will organise various free events (in-person and online), record podcasts, share information, and invite Chapter Zero Turkey board members to events and workshops organised by other Chapter Zero initiatives worldwide. TÜSİAD, which hosts Chapter Zero Turkey, is one of the driving forces behind sustainable development in Turkey. Through its experience and expertise, TÜSİAD is committed to pioneering the integration of climate change matters into corporate governance and decision-making processes. Hosting Chapter Zero Turkey demonstrated TÜSİAD's commitment to combating climate change and exemplified its pledge to fostering cooperation among Turkish businesses for a more sustainable future.

Cevdet Alemdar, TÜSİAD Board Member and Chair of the Energy, Environment and Climate Change Roundtable, commented on the matter as follows:

"Chapter Zero Turkey, presented today, addresses the challenging issue of climate change facing Turkish companies. Led by board members, this initiative equips business leaders with knowledge, tools and global connections. We are particularly focused on climate action in Turkey by developing dialogue among board members and senior executives. As TÜSİAD, we view climate change as a strategic priority and we are party to numerous initiatives and collaborations on this matter. We are greatly honoured to host Chapter Zero Turkey."

Arvid Tuerkner, Managing Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Turkey, encouraged the business community to prioritise climate change on their agendas, and stated:

"The launch of Chapter Zero Turkey's operations represents an important milestone in the network's global expansion. Turkey, with its vibrant business world and dynamic economy, plays an important role in transitioning to low-carbon emissions and a sustainable future. As part of our work in Turkey and our global collaboration with the Climate Governance Initiative and the World Economic Forum, we are pleased to be working with TÜSİAD to establish Chapter Zero Turkey. As EBRD, we will continue to support companies and financial institutions in Turkey in developing sectoral low-carbon roadmaps and help accelerate Turkey's transition to a greener and more resilient economy. Julie Baddeley, Chair of the Climate Governance Initiative, stated in her remarks: "We are pleased about Climate Governance Initiative's inclusion of Chapter Zero Turkey. We thank our partner EBRD for supporting the creation of this Chapter. With climate change governance becoming one of the primary topics on boards' agendas, we are excited to work together with TÜSİAD, which hosts Chapter Zero Turkey, to develop opportunities and jointly address challenges."

On behalf of the Board Members Association (YÜD), Association Chair Mehmet Sami shared his views:

"For our Association, which advocates that boards are a driving force for sustainable growth in Turkey, the launch of this initiative is extremely gratifying. Sustainability should first and foremost be a concept owned at the board level to avoid being caught unprepared for the future. Given new regulations, climate change-related risks, and the changing preferences and valuation criteria of credit and investment institutions, it is essential that the Board establish the institution's sustainability strategy. In order to create this awareness, we will continue to contribute to ensuring that climate change takes a priority place on boards' agendas together with our project stakeholders."   Chapter Zero Turkey's launch event was held openly for independent board members, board members, and senior executives of companies and financial institutions concerned with driving climate action. Through the event, participants gained access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who have committed themselves to addressing climate change and positioning their organisations for long-term success in a rapidly changing world. Participation in Chapter Zero Turkey is free and is open to senior executives, board and audit members of corporate and financial institutions, and other interested parties. Those interested can participate by filling out the online form at www.chapterzeroturkiye.com. Chapter Zero Turkey was developed and established with financial support from the Climate Investment Fund and the Global Environment Facility.