Australia Confirms Deal for Türkiye to Host COP31 in 2026, With Canberra Leading Negotiations

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Sunday that a formal agreement has been finalised for Türkiye to host the COP31 climate summit in 2026, confirming details contained in documents released at COP30 in Brazil.

A statement issued earlier in the week by Germany, on behalf of the Western European and Others Group responsible for choosing the host, said Türkiye would stage the summit while Australia would lead the negotiation process — a compromise arrangement reached after months of deadlock.

“Formal agreement has been reached for COP31 to be hosted by Türkiye 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 said.

Australia will hold “exclusive authority” over negotiations steering decision-making at COP31, the statement added. The Pacific region will also host a special pre-COP meeting to highlight “the existential threat climate change poses to the region.”

The Pacific Islands Forum, a bloc of 18 countries, had endorsed Australia’s bid, with several of its members facing severe risks from rising sea levels.

The annual COP has expanded over the years from high-level diplomatic talks into sprawling global climate conventions and trade showcases where host nations promote their economic agendas.