Antalya, Türkiye, has been officially designated as the host city for COP31, marking a significant milestone in the global climate negotiations set to take place in 2026. This decision follows a formal agreement achieved during COP30 in Belem, Brazil, in which Australia was appointed as the President of Negotiations, empowering the Pacific region to amplify its voice in the continuous struggle against climate change.
This unprecedented arrangement grants Australia exclusive authority over the negotiation process, allowing it to significantly influence the shaping of global climate policies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen emphasized the importance of this role, reaffirming Australia’s commitment to advocating for the interests of Pacific nations, which face existential threats from climate change.
In preparation for the main conference, a special pre-COP event will occur in the Pacific region, spotlighting the immediate impacts of climate change on local communities. Under the agreement, Australia will also coordinate the action agenda for COP31, prominently including a session focused on the climate finance needs of Small Island Developing States. This initiative aims to rally global support for the Pacific Resilience Facility, a fund designed to enhance climate responses in vulnerable Pacific nations.
Türkiye’s role as host for COP31 is anticipated to showcase robust international collaboration. As the host, Türkiye will likely be nominated as COP President, partnering closely with Australia to navigate the negotiation landscape. Both parties have pledged to resolve any disagreements that may arise through consultation, ensuring a unified approach to tackling climate issues.
This collaboration symbolizes Australia’s renewed dedication to restoring its climate leadership on both domestic and international fronts. Australia and Türkiye plan to work together to identify further champions for the action agenda, including representatives from Pacific island nations.
Öykü Şenlen, a Senior Researcher at E3G, highlighted that COP31 presents Türkiye with an opportunity to take a leadership role in climate action alongside Australia. She pointed out Türkiye’s abundant renewable resources and institutional capacity as essential assets for advancing its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and demonstrating substantial progress in climate action.
“Acting as a bridge between East and West, Türkiye can help make COP31 a decisive moment for accelerating the clean energy transition and turning ambition into action,” Şenlen stated. Natasha Green, an Associate at E3G Australia, added that although COP31 won’t be held in Adelaide, Australia’s leadership as President of the Negotiations and the Pacific’s role in hosting pre-COP events will draw critical attention and investment to the region, which grapples with the immediate impacts of climate change and the need for resilient economies.
With the Asia-Pacific region expected to contribute significantly toward global renewable energy growth, achieving COP28’s ambitious goals will necessitate the support, investment, and political commitment that COP31 aims to deliver.