Australia has rejected Turkey’s proposal to co-host COP31, leaving the two rival bids in a stalemate that could push the summit to Germany
Australia has formally dismissed Turkey’s proposal to co-host next year’s UN climate summit, reaffirming its push for Adelaide to serve as the venue. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the decision on Monday, stating that co-hosting does not fall within the rules of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He added that the option had already been ruled out and that all parties were aware of the limitations set by the framework.
Both Australia and Turkey remain committed to securing COP31, creating a distraction at the ongoing negotiations where Brazil is seeking to demonstrate that climate diplomacy can still progress. The two nations are under growing pressure to resolve the standoff and avoid an unscripted confrontation in Belem, located in the Amazon Rainforest. A Turkish diplomatic source told AFP on Sunday that Ankara still supports a co-presidency arrangement.
The host nation must be chosen by consensus, meaning that unless one of the two countries withdraws or they unexpectedly agree to share responsibilities, both Australia and Turkey risk losing the opportunity. In such a case, hosting rights would automatically pass to Germany, an outcome without precedent for COP meetings.
Australia’s climate credentials under scrutiny
Australia’s bid aims to bring the summit to Adelaide, jointly with its Pacific Island neighbours, seeking to highlight a region already severely affected by climate change. However, the campaign also sharpens attention on Australia’s environmental record, particularly its historic reliance on fossil fuel exports and its long running political challenges around climate action. If successful, the Adelaide proposal would make it the first COP hosted in the Pacific region.
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