What is at the heart of the festival?
Before the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), which will take place in Antalya, Turkey between November 9-20, 2026, Turkey is hosting a strategic meeting to strengthen the meaningful participation of rights-based civil society in climate governance.
At the festival, where we will come together with the theme “Climate Crisis, Democracy, and Meaningful Participation of Civil Society,” we will discuss solutions together by saying, “The climate crisis cannot be addressed without the meaningful participation of civil society.” With this gathering, we aim to support the widespread adoption of environmental and climate rights with a rights-based approach among all organizations, strengthen the role of civil society in political decision-making processes, and make their participation in the international climate regime more effective.
The festival will serve as a bridge between the global environmental movement and local dynamics. Representatives from the “9 Major Groups (Koza)” within UN mechanisms will be hosted in Ankara. A vibrant platform will be created where they can share experiences and establish partnerships with stakeholders in Turkey.
At the festival, participants can promote their work through stands, discuss key issues in panels and forums, and gain new experiences in idea kitchens. At Sivil Sesler Festival, which offers a concrete opportunity for information sharing, capacity building, national and international networking, and joint advocacy, we will collectively discuss our common issues ranging from the climate crisis to democracy.
What can you do at the festival?
Sivil Sesler Festival, which brings together rights-based organizations from across Turkey, will once again unite civil society actors to spread good and beauty, enable an equal life, build a more participatory democracy, and discuss a Turkey where we are better together.
At the festival, where NGOs bring together their expertise, work, and aspirations, they get to know each other through various workshops, forums and talk events, discuss opportunities for cooperation, and promote their activities at their stands.
How can you participate in the festival?
There are two ways for NGOs to participate in the festival:
1. Participation with a Stand: NGOs whose request to open a stand is accepted may attend the festival with two representatives. In this case, transportation and/or accommodation expenses for both representatives will be covered.
2. Individual Participation: NGOs who only wish to attend as participants may do so with one representative if their support request is accepted. In this case, only one person’s transportation and/or accommodation expenses will be covered.
Come and be part of this vibrant chorus in Ankara on June 5–6!
Click here to apply.
* *Sivil Sesler Festival is open to everyone without requiring any application! Applications are only necessary for those wishing to open a stand or request transportation and accommodation support.