Turkey Prepares to Host COP31 Under Compromise Deal with Australia

Turkey Set to Host COP31 Climate Summit After Breakthrough Compromise

Turkey is poised to host the COP31 Climate Summit next year following a developing compromise agreement with Australia. The arrangement, shaped during negotiations at COP30 in Brazil , aims to resolve the long-standing deadlock between the two nations, both of which submitted rival bids to host the world’s most influential climate conference.

Origins of the Hosting Stalemate

Australia and Turkey formally applied in 2022 to host COP31, but neither withdrew their proposal, resulting in prolonged uncertainty over venue selection. With COP31 scheduled to follow a year of intense global discussions on climate finance, adaptation strategies and emission-reduction commitments, a clear path forward was urgently needed.

Details of the Emerging Arrangement

Under the compromise structure, Turkey will take over the COP31 presidency and serve as the host country for the main summit. Meanwhile, Australia will assume a leading role in intergovernmental negotiations , giving it considerable influence over the agenda-setting and technical negotiation process. As part of the deal, a pre-COP meeting will likely be organised in the Pacific region to highlight climate vulnerabilities faced by island nations.

The final agreement has not yet been officially announced, as consultations continue to ensure consensus among all UNFCCC parties. Neither Australia nor Turkey has released formal statements, but diplomatic sources suggest both sides are moving toward a mutually acceptable framework.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• COP31 is expected to be hosted by Turkey after a compromise with Australia.

• Australia will lead the negotiations for COP31 despite not hosting.

• Both countries originally submitted bids in 2022 .

• A pre-COP event is planned in the Pacific region.