Türkiye has officially won the bid to host the COP31 climate summit next year after reaching a compromise agreement with Australia, ending a long-running competition between the two nations. Under the deal, Türkiye will host the global climate conference in Antalya, while Australia will lead the intergovernmental climate negotiations.
Both countries had submitted bids in 2022 and refused to withdraw, creating a deadlock that was resolved during recent talks in Brazil. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the arrangement, calling it a “win” for both sides. The agreement includes hosting a pre-COP event in the Pacific, ensuring continued focus on the climate challenges facing island nations.
Australia’s Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said the compromise fulfills Australia’s core aims, as he will hold the powers typically granted to a COP president to manage negotiations, appoint facilitators, and guide final decisions. Meanwhile, Türkiye plans to use its role as host to promote cooperation between developed and developing nations.
The summit, which draws world leaders, business executives, and tens of thousands of attendees, will be held in Antalya—a city already known for hosting major diplomatic gatherings. Securing COP31 is seen as a significant diplomatic achievement for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has actively expanded Türkiye’s international engagement.