Turkey has expressed its readiness to host next year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) independently if an agreement on co-presidency with Australia cannot be reached, according to a Turkish diplomatic source.
Australia and Turkey are currently deadlocked over the 2026 COP31 hosting rights. UN rules require the host to be selected by consensus, meaning that without compromise, both countries risk losing the opportunity. If no agreement is reached, the conference would automatically revert to Bonn, Germany, home to the UN Climate Secretariat.
Earlier discussions at the UN General Assembly suggested a potential joint management model, including shared high-level meetings. However, a letter from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rejected co-presidency proposals, citing UN rules and concerns over diverting the Pacific-focused agenda of COP.
Despite the setback, Turkey is advocating flexible solutions through good-faith consultations. “Turkey continues to advocate a co-presidency model as a step to strengthen multilateralism but is prepared to host the conference independently if consensus cannot be reached,” the Turkish source said. Erdogan has reportedly reinforced this stance in his communications with Albanese.
Turkey’s candidacy emphasizes inclusiveness, cooperation, and global solidarity. The country aims for COP31 to spotlight the world’s most vulnerable regions, potentially including special sessions addressing Pacific climate issues. Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz attended the COP30 summit earlier this month, representing Ankara, while Australia sent Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen.
Brazil has appointed a representative to mediate between the two nations, though diplomats report minimal progress so far. Observers have noted that Turkey’s ties with Russia and Saudi Arabia, nations often seen as slowing climate progress, could influence perceptions of its bid.
As negotiations continue, Turkey maintains that constructive dialogue and mutual respect should guide efforts to secure a successful COP31, whether through co-presidency or an independent hosting.
