Türkiye & Australia Reach Agreement on Hosting COP31 Climate Summit

Türkiye and Australia have reached an agreement that ends the long-standing dispute over arrangements for hosting the upcoming COP31 climate summit, following weeks of sharp division during negotiations at the ongoing COP30 in Brazil.

According to the agreement, reported by The Guardian, Türkiye will host the summit in the Mediterranean city of Antalya, while Australia will be given a pivotal role in managing the negotiations.

Australia had effectively withdrawn from its earlier bid to co-host the summit with Pacific Island nations, despite broad support. 

However, UN rules require unanimous consensus, and Turkey refused to withdraw its candidacy. 

In addition, senior Australian government officials had shown little enthusiasm for hosting the event in the coastal city of Adelaide.

Under the agreement, Türkiye will assume the presidency of COP31, while an Australian official will serve as the summit’s Vice President and “Chief Negotiator.” 

The candidate for this role is Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, who will receive “exclusive authority over the negotiation track.” 

The agreement states that if differing views arise between the two countries, “consultations will be held until the disagreement is resolved to the satisfaction of both parties.”

Türkiye will bear full responsibility for the operational and logistical aspects of the summit, in addition to leading the agenda, appointing a high-level climate champion, and selecting a “Youth Champion” based on Australia’s nomination.

Australia, meanwhile, will, starting at the conclusion of COP30, be responsible for organising meetings and steering negotiations throughout the year, selecting ministerial facilitators and others, and drafting proposed negotiation texts for COP31. 

Australia will also act as the primary liaison with the UNFCCC Secretariat.

Australia will chair the pre-summit meeting in a yet-to-be-determined Pacific Island nation. 

The agreement notes that this meeting “will provide an opportunity for leaders and others to directly witness the impacts of climate change in the Pacific, hear voices and solutions from the region, and support initiatives led by island nations.”

The arrangement has received support from the countries overseeing preparations for the next summit, but it still requires formal approval at the upcoming plenary session.