Türkiye is actively pursuing its bid to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) next year, amidst ongoing tensions with Australia regarding the selection of the host country, Turkish officials announced on Monday. Deputy Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister and Türkiye’s chief climate negotiator, Fatma Varank, emphasized that Türkiye remains steadfast in the competition, with a decision expected soon.
During her remarks in Belem at the ongoing COP30 meetings, Varank highlighted Türkiye’s robust participation in COP31 negotiations, asserting the country’s role as a proponent of compromise throughout the two-year candidacy process. She criticized Australia for stalling agreements and maintaining a rigid position during previous meetings, suggesting that Türkiye has been the more flexible party in the negotiations.
Varank noted that both nations submitted bids in 2022 and have yet to withdraw, leading to a deadlock that must be addressed during COP30. She outlined Türkiye’s own climate vulnerabilities, which include rising temperatures, droughts, and extreme weather in the Mediterranean region, reinforcing the argument for Türkiye as a suitable host.
In a bid for climate solidarity, Türkiye had even agreed to a pre-COP ministerial meeting in the Pacific to recognize climate-sensitive island nations, an initiative proposed by Australia. Varank expressed her hope that Türkiye’s constructive approach in global climate discussions could influence a favorable resolution.
However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed the possibility of co-hosting with Türkiye, stating that such arrangements are not permitted under UN rules. He indicated that discussions around the hosting rights will soon come to a conclusion. Australia’s commitment to host COP31 is further solidified by its backing from Pacific island nations, which face critical threats from climate change. Albanese has communicated with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to seek an agreement.
Under UN guidelines, unanimous agreement among the 28-country regional group is required for host selection. If Türkiye and Australia cannot come to an understanding, the hosting rights will default to Bonn, Germany, despite German officials’ reluctance to take on that responsibility.
This pivotal moment for the COP31 host underscores the urgency of addressing climate change on a global scale. The annual summit serves as a key platform for promoting collaborative climate action, and the outcome of this selection process will significantly influence future international efforts. As both nations continue to negotiate, there remains hope for productive dialogue and a resolution that prioritizes global cooperation and climate advocacy.