Chicago – November 19, 2025
Turkey is poised to host the COP31 UN climate summit in 2026 after striking an unusual power‑sharing compromise with Australia that ends a prolonged diplomatic stand‑off over the event’s location.
Deal between Turkey and Australia
Under the agreement reached on the sidelines of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the talks will be held in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, while Australia will preside over the conference and lead negotiations among nearly 200 governments. Australian Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is expected to hold full COP presidency powers, including appointing facilitators and shaping draft texts and the final outcome document.
End of two‑year stalemate
Both Turkey and Australia had formally bid in 2022 to host COP31, triggering a two‑year tussle that risked overshadowing preparations for the critical 2026 summit. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra would not block Turkey’s bid, describing the compromise as a “win” that also allows Australia to spotlight climate‑vulnerable Pacific island nations through pre‑COP meetings in the region.
Expectations for COP31
Turkey has signalled it will use the summit to promote solidarity between developed and developing economies, positioning Antalya as a bridge between regions. Environmental groups welcomed the breakthrough but stressed that COP31 must prioritize a fossil‑fuel phase‑out and stronger action on deforestation to keep climate goals within reach.
