Following the presentation of a document at the COP30 summit in Brazil, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Sunday that a formal agreement had been achieved for Turkey to host the COP31 climate summit in 2026.
Following a meeting of the Western European and Others Group charged with choosing the 2026 host, Germany announced this week at the COP30 summit that Turkey will assume the position, with Australia spearheading the negotiations. It came after a previous statement that a compromise agreement was anticipated.
A protracted impasse over hosting the U.N. negotiations was settled by the agreement. "Formal agreement has been reached for COP31 to be hosted by Turkey in Antalya, with the Pacific's interests advanced by Australia assuming the role of President of Negotiations in the lead up to and at the meeting," Albanese stated in a statement.
According to the statement, the Pacific area will hold a special pre COP meeting to draw "attention to the existential threat climate change poses to the region."
Australia would have "exclusive authority in relation to the negotiations" directing decision making at the summit. Australia's candidacy was supported by the Pacific Islands Forum, an 18 nation regional diplomatic bloc. Rising oceans pose a threat to a number of Pacific island states.
Over the years, the annual COP the primary global platform for advancing climate action has expanded from diplomatic meetings to sizeable trade exhibitions where host nations can highlight economic opportunities.
