Papua New Guinea has expressed disappointment following Australia’s withdrawal from its bid to co-host next year’s United Nations climate talks alongside its Pacific island neighbors, handing hosting rights to Turkey. Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko voiced frustration, stating, “We are all not happy. And disappointed it’s ended up like this,” as he spoke to Agence France-Presse after the decision was made.
Australia had aimed to jointly host COP31 with fellow South Pacific nations, recognizing the grave threats they face from rising seas and climate-induced disasters. However, the bid fell through when Turkey, another interested host, refused to share the responsibilities, leading Australia to concede.
As a result of this compromise, Turkey will host the climate summit, while Australia will oversee negotiations among participating governments. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed this arrangement during discussions in Brazil.
Criticism of the COP summit process was voiced by Tkatchenko, who dismissed it as ineffective. “What has COP achieved over the years? Nothing,” he said, raising concerns that the summit does not effectively hold major polluters accountable. Leaders from Pacific Island nations have similarly condemned COP summits for often sidelining their needs and providing limited actionable solutions to increasingly severe climate impacts.
Despite the setback, Pacific leaders had hoped that co-hosting would amplify their voices and elevate awareness regarding their climate challenges. However, Australia’s longstanding dependence on fossil fuel exports and its often reticent approach to climate initiatives has led to skepticism about its commitment to climate justice. Former Tuvalu Prime Minister Bikenibeu Paeniu articulated that the decision reflects Australia’s reluctance to engage meaningfully with climate issues, stating that the Pacific nations should rethink their relationship with Australia. He asserted, “What a miss, but the Pacific will continue its fight no matter what.”
Australia’s proposal to host the summit was framed as a “Pacific COP,” designed to highlight the urgent plight of low-lying island nations facing existential threats from climate change. The annual COP conferences serve as crucial platforms for advancing global climate action.
The stakes are significant; from 2008 to 2017, over 320,000 people in the Pacific were displaced due to natural disasters, according to the International Organisation for Migration. Additionally, NASA predicts that sea levels could rise by up to 15 centimeters in the next three decades, intensifying the urgency for immediate action and collaboration.
As Australia steps back from the co-hosting role, officials have pledged to keep the challenges facing the Pacific Islands on the global agenda, signaling a continued commitment to addressing climate change issues despite the change in hosting arrangements.