Historic Achievement from Türkiye: 12-Year-Old Addresses World Leaders at COP30 Climate Summit

Twelve-year-old Turkish student Osman Batu Sivaslıgil represented Türkiye at the United Nations COP30 Climate Summit after being selected through a special program conducted by 51Talk. He delivered a speech in English to world leaders, diplomats, and international civil society representatives.

Recognized as one of the most prestigious platforms in the fight against climate change, the United Nations (UN) COP30 Climate Summit became a historic stage for Türkiye this year. Held in Brazil from November 10 to 21, the summit featured Osman Batu Sivaslıgil addressing global leaders, diplomats, and international NGO representatives in English through 51Talk’s special selection program.

His powerful message — “The future is not something we wait for; it is something we build together. Today is a choice! Today is a voice! Tomorrow is a shared future.” — made headlines in the international press.

“WE ARE PROUD OF OUR STUDENT”

Yasin Sağlam, Türkiye Brand Manager of 51Talk — a global platform that has provided English education to over 40 million students over the past 14 years — commented:

“For 14 years, we have been equipping children around the world with English skills, strengthening their confidence, and helping them become future global leaders. We are proud of our student, Osman Batu.”

“WE WILL CONTINUE WORKING TO AMPLIFY THE VOICES OF MANY MORE CHILDREN”

Emphasizing that Osman Batu’s presence at COP30 represents not only an individual achievement but also a strong indicator that Türkiye’s younger generation can take part on global platforms, Yasin Sağlam concluded:

“While teaching English to millions of students worldwide, 51Talk also aims to develop leadership, confidence, global citizenship, and communication skills. Our platform supports children not only in learning English but also in defending their ideas, standing confidently on stage, and delivering messages to the world. This year, for the first time, we enabled a student from Türkiye to step onto the United Nations stage through this program. Diplomats, scientists, civil society organizations, education leaders, and media representatives in the audience listened attentively to the young student’s message. We will continue working to amplify the voices of many more children from Türkiye on the global stage.