Turkey to Host COP31 as Australia Leads Climate Negotiations

Turkey is set to host the COP31 climate summit in Antalya next year under a joint arrangement that gives Australia control of the negotiations, according to details shared during COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

The agreement resolves a two-year standoff between the two countries, both of which had insisted on hosting the summit.

Under the deal, Turkey will serve as the official COP31 president and organise the event. Australia will lead the negotiating process, with Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen expected to manage talks, prepare draft decisions, and guide the final outcome text.

Bowen said the role provides the same authority normally given to a full COP presidency.

• Turkey to host COP31 as Australia takes charge of key climate negotiations
• Unique Turkey–Australia arrangement resolves hosting dispute for COP31
• Australia to lead COP31 talks while Turkey focuses on emerging economy priorities

Turkey has said its focus for COP31 will be on raising the concerns of emerging economies and strengthening cooperation between wealthier and developing nations. Ankara has also highlighted its aim to make the summit more inclusive for countries that often struggle to influence major climate decisions.

Australia, meanwhile, had campaigned on delivering a “Pacific COP,” working closely with small island states facing rising sea levels and climate-driven threats. The government has already invested around AUD 7 million in its bid preparations. Australian officials say the agreement still gives them scope to deliver strong outcomes for Pacific nations.

Some technical questions remain, as UN rules traditionally call for one country to hold both the hosting and negotiation-lead roles. Diplomats say the arrangement must be reviewed to ensure it fits within procedural requirements, but added that the split approach has broad support because it avoids a contested vote.

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The joint structure is expected to ease the organisational load on Turkey while giving Australia a central role in shaping global climate summit policy. COP31 preparations are set to accelerate once the agreement receives final confirmation from UN member states.