Turkey to Host COP31 After Deal With Australia Finalised

Turkey is expected to host the COP31 climate summit next year after long negotiations with Australia reached a possible compromise. The development comes after both countries spent nearly three years competing to bring the world’s most important climate conference to their soil. Discussions are still ongoing, but diplomats involved in the talks say that a final agreement is close and may be announced soon.

A Competition That Began in 2022

The race began in 2022, when both Australia and Turkey officially submitted their bids to host COP31, the annual global climate meeting also known as the Conference of the Parties. It is the largest climate summit in the world where international governments, climate experts, and environmental organizations come together to negotiate policies that help reduce emissions and protect the planet.

Bidding for COP31 became a major diplomatic priority for both countries. Hosting the event is considered not only an honor but also a sign of leadership in global climate action. Because of this, neither nation was willing to drop its bid, leading to months of intense lobbying, discussions, and negotiations.

Why Hosting COP Matters

Every year, the COP conference becomes the platform where countries review their progress under the Paris Agreement and make new commitments to fight global warming. The host country receives global attention, political influence, and economic benefits through tourism, international partnerships, and global visibility.

For Australia, hosting COP31 would help repair its international image after years of criticism over its reliance on coal and slower climate transition. For Turkey, winning the bid would strengthen its role as a rising diplomatic and economic power, especially as it seeks to play a bigger role in global issues.

This competition meant that neither side wanted to step back easily.

Talks in Brazil Move Toward a Solution

The possible breakthrough happened during negotiations at COP30, which is currently taking place in Brazil. Delegates from both nations reportedly held several closed-door meetings to reach a solution that could satisfy both sides. According to sources familiar with the discussion, a compromise deal has been shaping over the past few days.

Under this developing agreement:

• Turkey would host COP31 and hold the official presidency of the summit.

• Australia would not be left out and would instead lead the conference’s government-level negotiations.

• A major pre-COP event would be organized in the Pacific region to highlight island countries and the challenges they face from rising sea levels and extreme weather.

This arrangement would allow both nations to play significant roles in the event, while also ending the long contest over the hosting rights.

Why the Pacific Region Matters

The Pacific Islands are among the most vulnerable places in the world when it comes to climate change. Many small island nations face coastal erosion, destruction of coral reefs, stronger cyclones, and the long-term risk of disappearing under rising sea levels.

Australia has been working closely with countries in the Pacific over the past few years to strengthen diplomatic ties, especially as climate change has become the most important issue for the region. Holding a major pre-COP event there would help highlight the urgent environmental struggles faced by some of the world’s smallest countries and give them a larger voice before the main conference.

What Turkey Gains From Hosting COP31

If the final decision is confirmed, Turkey stands to gain politically, economically, and strategically. Hosting COP31 would:

• Bring world leaders, climate negotiators, global companies, and major environmental organizations to the country.

• Strengthen Turkey’s image as a country participating actively in major world issues.

• Encourage new climate investments in clean energy, transport, and low-carbon development.

• Boost tourism and international recognition, since the event attracts thousands of global delegates and media organizations.

Turkey has been pushing for a stronger role in climate diplomacy and has increased its focus on renewable energy and green development goals. Hosting COP31 would support this direction and allow Ankara to showcase its progress to the world.

Australia’s Role Still Important

Although Turkey is expected to host the event, Australia would still play a leading role in the negotiations. This is particularly significant because the COP presidency has major influence in shaping the direction of discussions.

By leading the government-level talks, Australia would still be seen as a major driver of international climate cooperation. It would also demonstrate its commitment to working more actively on climate action after facing years of pressure to improve its policies and reduce emissions faster.

The compromise also helps Australia avoid the embarrassment of losing the hosting rights completely after such a long campaign.

No Official Public Announcement Yet

Despite the strong progress in negotiations, neither government has confirmed the agreement publicly. Delegates involved in the talks say that discussions are still underway and the final diplomatic wording is yet to be approved. Any final announcement would likely come either in the closing stages of COP30 or shortly after the summit ends.

Officials speaking on background noted that such agreements are complicated and require approval from many countries involved in the climate negotiations process. However, the details of the compromise have already begun circulating among delegates, increasing confidence that a final resolution is close.

A Deal That Helps Global Unity

The possible arrangement is seen as a positive sign for global climate cooperation. In recent years, geopolitical tensions and disagreements between developed and developing nations have slowed climate progress. A compromise between Australia and Turkey could show that diplomatic solutions are still possible, even when national ambitions clash.

It also sets a cooperative tone ahead of COP31, where world leaders are expected to review global climate commitments and decide how to accelerate progress to meet the 2030 and 2050 climate goals.

Looking Ahead to COP31

Once finalized, the focus will shift toward planning the summit. Over the next year, Turkey would begin preparing facilities, transportation, security, meeting venues, logistics, and complex arrangements required to host one of the largest annual international gatherings in the world.

At the same time, Australia would start organizing negotiation teams, drafting key climate proposals, and working closely with Pacific nations and other partners to ensure that major environmental concerns receive global attention.

If all goes smoothly, COP31 may become one of the most important summits yet, taking place at a time when the world is rapidly running out of time to limit global warming to 1.5°C.