Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Turkey will host next year's United Nations (UN) climate summit, COP31, while Australia will lead intergovernmental talks there under a compromise deal being shaped in talks in Brazil. The annual COP is the world's primary forum for climate action, and the compromise agreement would ease a standoff between Australia and Turkey over their bids to host COP31, with both countries refusing to back down in 2022.
According to Thai News Agency, Albanese said the two sides were close to reaching an agreement that would see Turkey host COP31 as the summit's presidency, with pre-COP (preparatory meetings) in the Pacific region to be held, and Australia to serve as the negotiating chair. Albanese told Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) radio that the conclusion reached by Australia was a huge win for both Australia and Turkey.
Both countries have just a year to prepare for the event, which will attract tens of thousands of attendees, and months of diplomatic work will be needed to reach consensus on climate goals. Australia has presented its proposal as the "Pacific COP", partnering with low-lying island nations, and highlighting their vulnerability to climate change and rising sea levels. Australia says it has already spent A$7 million (about US$4.5 million) on hosting preparations, reflecting confidence that strong international support will help it defeat Turkey's bid.
Turkey, which will host COP31 in Antalya, said that as an emerging economy, the conference it hosts will promote solidarity between rich and poor countries, with a global rather than regional focus. Earlier this week, Albanese rejected the opportunity to co-host, citing UN rules, despite Turkey having previously called for such a co-hosting format, and said the two sides discussed a possible framework in September.