Full Breakdown
Australia Rules Out Co-Hosting COP31 with Turkey
11/17/2025, 6:06:12 AM
Stalemate Over COP31 Hosting
On November 17, 2023, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia would not co-host the COP31 climate summit with Turkey. This decision arises amid an ongoing stalemate between the two nations regarding which country should host the conference next year. Both Australia and Turkey submitted bids in 2022 to host COP31, and neither has withdrawn their candidacy, leading to a diplomatic impasse that must be resolved at the current COP30 meeting in Belem, Brazil.
Albanese clarified that co-hosting is not an option under the rules of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), stating, “We won't be co-hosting, because co-hosting isn't provided for under the rules of the UNFCCC.” He emphasized that this understanding is widely recognized, which is why the option has been ruled out.
Turkey's Proposal for Joint Leadership
Turkish diplomatic sources indicated that Ankara had proposed a joint leadership model for COP31, suggesting that both countries could share hosting duties and jointly steer negotiations. This proposal emerged during discussions on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in September. However, subsequent exchanges revealed differing views on how such a co-presidency could function within UN procedures, preventing any advancement of the proposal.
Turkey's candidacy emphasizes cooperation and inclusiveness, aiming to focus on financing for developing countries while showcasing its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2053. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed a willingness to host the summit alone if no agreement is reached.
Implications of the Hosting Decision
The host country for COP31 plays a crucial role in setting the agenda and leading diplomatic efforts necessary for reaching global climate agreements. If Australia and Turkey cannot reach a consensus, the hosting duties would default to Bonn, Germany, which has indicated it does not wish to host. The Pacific Islands Forum, a regional diplomatic bloc of 18 countries, is backing Australia’s bid, highlighting the climate threats faced by Pacific island nations.
Chris Bowen, Australia’s Energy Minister, arrived in Belem for COP30, asserting that Australia has “overwhelming support” for its candidacy. The outcome of discussions at COP30 will be pivotal in determining the future of COP31's hosting arrangements.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics argue that the inability to resolve the hosting dispute reflects broader challenges in international climate diplomacy. Some experts suggest that the differing priorities of Australia and Turkey may hinder collaborative efforts to address climate change effectively. The lack of a unified approach could undermine the potential impact of COP31.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No, we won't be co-hosting because co-hosting isn't provided for under the rules of the (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change),” — Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia
- “President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed this view in recent correspondence with the Australian prime minister, the Turkish sources said, adding that Türkiye still believed "flexible formulas” could be developed through continued consultations.” — Turkish Diplomatic Sources
The future of COP31 remains uncertain as both nations navigate their respective priorities and the implications of their hosting bids.
