BBVA Focuses on Climate Finance Implementation Ahead of COP31

BBVA and its Turkish subsidiary Garanti BBVA participated in New York Climate Week in September 2026, focusing on the challenges in global climate finance and the necessity of moving from setting targets to practical implementation ahead of the upcoming COP31 climate summit in Antalya.

Representatives from the banks, including BBVA's Global Head of Sustainability Javier Rodríguez Soler and Garanti BBVA CEO Mahmut Akten, engaged in high-level discussions covering sustainable investment, clean energy finance, and Turkey's transition potential.

BBVA emphasized that the core challenge is not just mobilizing capital but creating bankable and scalable projects supported by appropriate financing structures, risk management tools, and predictable policy frameworks. The bank called for clearer national transition plans, carbon pricing mechanisms, and streamlined permitting processes to convert climate ambitions into investable projects.

Garanti BBVA highlighted Turkey's renewable energy potential, industrial capacity, and links to European value chains. The bank is committed to advancing sustainable finance in cooperation with international financial institutions. As the Global Banking Partner for COP31, BBVA aims to bring together investors, development finance institutions, and companies around transition projects.