(Germany, 23rd) The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) has been officially confirmed to be hosted by Turkey, with Australia serving as the negotiations chair.
According to Reuters, Australian Prime Minister Albanese announced on Sunday (November 23) that an official agreement has been reached for COP31 to be held in Antalya, Turkey, with Australia taking on the role of negotiations chair to advance the interests of the Pacific region both ahead of and during the conference.
Albanese's statement noted that Australia will have “exclusive decision-making authority over negotiation matters” at the time, guiding the conference’s decision-making process. The Pacific region will hold a special preparatory meeting to focus on the existential threats posed to the region by climate change.
Each year’s UN Climate Change Conference is a key global platform for advancing climate action. Australia and Turkey both submitted bids to host COP31 in 2022, resulting in a deadlock that delayed any final hosting arrangements.
During COP30 this week, Germany issued a statement saying that the next conference would be hosted by Turkey, with Australia leading the negotiations. This arrangement is seen as a compromise.
Several Pacific island nations are already facing threats from rising sea levels. The 18-member regional diplomatic group, the Pacific Islands Forum, has supported Australia's bid.
Albanese's statement noted that Australia will have “exclusive decision-making authority over negotiation matters” at the time, guiding the conference’s decision-making process. The Pacific region will hold a special preparatory meeting to focus on the existential threats posed to the region by climate change.
Each year’s UN Climate Change Conference is a key global platform for advancing climate action. Australia and Turkey both submitted bids to host COP31 in 2022, resulting in a deadlock that delayed any final hosting arrangements.
During COP30 this week, Germany issued a statement saying that the next conference would be hosted by Turkey, with Australia leading the negotiations. This arrangement is seen as a compromise.
Several Pacific island nations are already facing threats from rising sea levels. The 18-member regional diplomatic group, the Pacific Islands Forum, has supported Australia's bid.