Türkiye is intensifying efforts to secure its bid for hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) next year, despite ongoing disputes with Australia over the selection process. On Monday, Turkish officials shared that Deputy Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister, Fatma Varank, reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to the competitive bidding, with an announcement anticipated soon.
Speaking in Belem amid the COP30 meetings, Varank emphasized Türkiye’s active participation in the COP31 negotiations and its role as a mediator throughout the two-year candidacy process. She criticized Australia’s rigidity and delays in reaching agreements, suggesting that Türkiye has demonstrated greater flexibility during discussions.
Both Türkiye and Australia submitted their host bids in 2022, yet neither party has withdrawn, resulting in a stalemate that needs to be resolved during COP30. Varank also pointed out Türkiye’s pressing climate vulnerabilities, such as increasing temperatures, droughts, and extreme weather events in the Mediterranean, which bolster its case as a fitting host for the conference.
In a show of climate solidarity, Türkiye agreed to hold a pre-COP ministerial meeting in the Pacific aimed at supporting climate-sensitive island nations, an initiative that originated from Australia. Varank expressed optimism that Türkiye’s constructive role in global climate discussions could lead to a positive resolution.
However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected the idea of co-hosting with Türkiye, maintaining that such arrangements are against UN regulations. He indicated that a decision regarding hosting rights will be reached soon, underlining Australia’s strong backing from Pacific island nations that face significant climate threats. Albanese has also reached out to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to facilitate a resolution.
According to UN protocols, the selection of the host country requires unanimous consent from the 28-country regional group. If Türkiye and Australia fail to reach an agreement, the rights to host will revert to Bonn, Germany, although German officials are hesitant to take on that role.
This crucial moment in the competition for COP31 hosting not only highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing climate change but also underscores the importance of collaboration in global climate initiatives. As negotiations progress, there remains hope for fruitful dialogue, fostering a resolution that champions international cooperation and advocates for urgent climate action.