COP31: Delegates Face Long Waits and Bus Crowds on Opening Day

The first day of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, had many delegates frustrated due to delays in getting their accreditation and issues with transport. Some participants spent hours trying to get into the conference venue.

On Monday, many delegates, observers, and participants were seen waiting in long lines to collect their accreditation badges. Some reported waiting more than five hours to finish the process.

The situation got worse with heavy traffic around the venue. Participants complained about the crowded shuttle buses that were supposed to take them to the conference center.

This reporter waited over four hours just to collect an accreditation badge. Large crowds formed around the entrance, and many participants struggled with the long queues.

At different times, some participants showed their frustration and even argued while waiting for their badges. It seemed there was not enough coordination in the accreditation process.

Transportation also caused complaints, with many saying the shuttle buses were too crowded and that the ride to the venue was uncomfortable.

Leen Jones, an observer from Jordan, told PREMIUM TIMES she was exhausted after waiting for hours, even though she arrived early. She expressed her disappointment about the long wait, calling the experience frustrating.

Corazon Kisilu, a climate change expert with the Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC), echoed these sentiments. She said the long queues and transport issues made the first day tough for everyone.

Ms Kisilu described the shuttle bus ride as especially uncomfortable, saying participants were packed inside “like sardines.” She also pointed out the heavy traffic on the way to the venue, which made things even harder.

She noted that this experience was not what she expected compared to past climate conferences and hoped the organizers would fix the issues in the following days.