Türkiye has proposed jointly leading next year’s U.N. climate summit, COP31, alongside Australia in an effort to resolve a long-running standoff over who will host the event, Turkish diplomatic sources have confirmed.
However, despite months of discussions, no agreement has yet been reached and the impasse remains unresolved as COP30 continues in Belém, Brazil.
A Two-Year Standoff
Both Australia and Türkiye submitted bids in 2022 to host COP31. Neither country has withdrawn, creating a deadlock that must be broken by the end of the current climate conference.
COP summits are central to international climate diplomacy, with the host nation setting the agenda, steering negotiations, and leading efforts to secure global agreements. As a result, the identity of the host is critically important.
Türkiye's Joint Presidency Proposal
Turkish officials say the two countries explored a joint presidency model on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York in September. The idea included:
sharing responsibilities for high-level sessions
jointly steering the climate negotiations
dividing ceremonial and diplomatic duties
Those discussions laid what Turkish officials described as “a basis of mutual understanding,” yet the proposal stalled due to differences over how a co-presidency would fit within U.N. procedures.
Australia Signals Confidence
Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen arrived in Brazil on Saturday for COP30, stating that a decision on the host will be finalised there. He insisted Australia enjoys “overwhelming support” for its bid.
Australia has campaigned on a co-hosting model with Pacific island nations to spotlight the climate threats the region faces. The Pacific Islands Forum has formally endorsed Australia’s candidacy.
Türkiye’s Climate Diplomacy Vision
Türkiye argues that its bid focuses on cooperation, inclusivity, and increased financing for developing countries, while showcasing its progress toward a 2053 net-zero emissions target.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan conveyed these points directly in recent correspondence with Australia’s prime minister, Turkish officials said, adding that Türkiye still believes “flexible formulas” can be developed through ongoing talks.
However, Türkiye has also made clear it is ready to host and preside over COP31 alone if necessary.
The Need for Consensus
COP31’s host must be approved unanimously by all 28 members of the United Nations’ Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG)—the regional bloc that includes both Australia and Türkiye.
Protracted hosting disputes are rare. If no agreement is reached, the
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