A negotiator from the Pacific Islands Forum has revealed that Australia and the Pacific’s ambition to host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) is encountering diplomatic hurdles, particularly due to Türkiye’s steadfast insistence on maintaining its own competing bid. Karlos Moresi, an adviser to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, highlighted the tense negotiations during COP30 held in Belém, Brazil, noting that behind-the-scenes political maneuvering may influence the decision on the location of the 2026 global summit.
Moresi stressed the challenges faced by Australia and the Pacific region, stating, “We have Australia on one hand, very adamant that we need to have a COP in the Pacific, but Türkiye’s position is that they’re not giving up.” The competition for hosting rights is especially complicated by the United Nations rules, which require unanimous agreement among the 28 members of the Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG).
The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara last September reaffirmed strong support for Australia’s bid to host COP31. Regional leaders underscored that climate change remains not just a pressing issue, but the single greatest threat to the Pacific’s survival. They expressed that hosting COP31 would provide a unique opportunity to exhibit the realities of climate change impacts in the region while pushing for stronger global climate action.
Niue’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mona Ainu’u, emphasized that securing hosting rights transcends prestige, highlighting that it is inherently linked to the survival of the Pacific nations. She articulated the necessity for the global community to adhere to its climate pledges, stressing the urgency for positive outcomes from international climate forums.
Despite Australia’s strong bid and the proactive support from Pacific leaders, Moresi indicated that some WEOG members have yet to fully commit, with potential geopolitical influences at play, including Germany’s significant Turkish diaspora. In light of these challenges, Moresi pointed out the importance of proactive strategies to secure the bid, including informal discussions around possible alternative plans if Türkiye’s bid prevails.
The Pacific region’s commitment to climate vulnerability remains unwavering, especially in light of warnings from the World Meteorological Organisation regarding emissions overshooting the crucial 1.5°C limit. Yet, Moresi expressed optimism, citing an increase in investments in renewable energy as a promising indicator of the Pacific’s resolve in combating climate change.
As the situation develops, Australia and New Zealand are collaborating with Pacific delegates to strategize for their bid. In a significant move, Tuvalu, currently chairing the Pacific Small Island Developing States group, plans to deliver a letter to the WEOG urging a resolution that favors the Australian-Pacific coalition for COP31.
While negotiations with Türkiye continue, the Pacific region’s call for a united effort against climate threats echoes louder than ever. The hope remains that a successful COP31 hosting will enhance regional cooperation, showcase the urgent need for climate action, and elevate the Pacific’s priorities on the global stage. Through this, the Pacific aims not only to advocate for its own future but also to lead by example in the realm of international climate governance.