Negotiations for hosting the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) are becoming increasingly complex as Australia and the Pacific Islands Forum face significant diplomatic challenges, notably due to Türkiye’s insistence on maintaining its competing bid. Karlos Moresi, an advisor to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, revealed that discussions during COP30 in Belém, Brazil, highlighted the political intricacies that may impact the decision regarding the location of the 2026 global summit.
Moresi explained the dilemma, saying, “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 struggle for hosting rights is further complicated by United Nations regulations that necessitate a unanimous agreement among the 28 members of the Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG).
The commitment of Pacific leaders to Australia’s COP31 bid was underscored during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara last September. Leaders from the region reinforced the notion that climate change is the single greatest threat to their survival and that hosting the conference would allow the Pacific to showcase the immediate impacts of climate change while further advocating for robust global action.
Mona Ainu’u, Niue’s Minister of Natural Resources, articulated the gravity of securing hosting rights, emphasizing that it is linked to the existential needs of Pacific nations. She called on the international community to fulfill its climate commitments and stressed the necessity for fruitful outcomes from global climate discussions.
Despite strong backing from the Pacific region, Moresi noted that some WEOG members remain noncommittal, raising concerns about geopolitical dynamics, particularly given Germany’s significant Turkish community. To address these challenges, Moresi mentioned the importance of proactive measures, including exploring alternative strategies should Türkiye’s bid prevail.
The Pacific’s determination to address climate vulnerability is unwavering, especially amid warnings from the World Meteorological Organisation about emissions surpassing the critical 1.5°C threshold. Moresi expressed optimism, pointing to a rise in investments in renewable energy as a positive sign of the Pacific’s dedication to combating climate change.
As negotiations progress, Australia and New Zealand are working closely with Pacific representatives to solidify their bid for COP31. Notably, Tuvalu, chairing the Pacific Small Island Developing States group, is set to deliver a letter to the WEOG advocating for a favorable resolution for the Australian-Pacific coalition.
As discussions with Türkiye continue, the Pacific’s collective call for unified action against climate threats resonates strongly. There is hope that successfully hosting COP31 will not only bolster regional collaboration but also amplify the urgent need for climate action, placing the Pacific’s priorities at the forefront of the global agenda. Through these efforts, the Pacific seeks not only to advocate for its own future but also to set a precedent in international climate governance.