Road to COP31 – Antalya
Organized by the Society for Environmental Awareness (SEA) | Press Club Brussels Europe
Roadmap to COP31 is a high-level event organized by Ipek Tekdemir and Christian Clauwers (Society for Environmental Awareness – SEA), in collaboration with the Sustainable Future Platform. Bringing together policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders at the Press Club Brussels Europe, the event aims to shape the dialogue ahead of COP31 in Antalya. Through keynote interventions, panel discussions and a photo exhibition by Christian Clauwers, it bridges the gap between climate diplomacy, scientific insights, and innovation to drive actionable strategies for a resilient and sustainable future.
Opening Remarks
Luc Bas – Director CERAC (Climate Risk Assessment Center)
Keynote
Christian Clauwers – Visual Storyteller, EU Climate Pact Ambassador, founder and President of SEA. Title: The Fragile Frontlines of a Warming World
Panel I: Climate Diplomacy, Science & Global Governance
Focus: Exploring how scientific evidence informs policymaking and strengthens global climate diplomacy ahead of COP31.
Speakers:
• Prof. Dr. Hans Bruyninckx – Professor of Environmental Governance at the University of Antwerp and former Executive Director of the European Environment Agency, Board Member of SEA
• Daniel Cervenka – Director of The Convergence / CEO of Resolve Global, EU Climate Pact Partner
• Bart Rymen – Attaché at the Federal, Interfederal, and International Coordination Service of BELSPO / IPCC National Focal Point for Belgium
• Peter Wittoeck – Head of the Belgian delegation at UNFCCC
Moderated by Antonio Buscardini (Press Club Brussels)
Panel II: Ecological Resilience & Circular Economy
Focus: Scaling nature-based solutions, biodiversity protection, and circular economy practices.
Speakers:
• Prof. Dr. Gudrun de Boeck – Head of the ECOSPHERE Research Group (University of Antwerp), Chair of the Institute for Environment and Sustainable Development (IMDO), Advisory Board of SEA
• Sophie Bonnecarrère – Sustainability Future Platform (TBC)
• Veronique van Haaften – Founding Member and Secretary General of the European-Turkish Trade and Investment Council (ETTIC)
Moderated by Kris Broos (Secretary of SEA)
The conference also marks the start of a three-week photography exhibition: “The Fragile Frontlines of a Warming World”. Curated by Ipek Tekdemir. Photography by Christian Clauwers.
