In a surprising diplomatic resolution, Turkey has secured the right to host the COP31 climate conference in 2026, following a negotiated deal with Australia. The agreement ends months of deadlock between the two countries, both of which submitted bids to host the next UN climate summit. 

Under the compromise, Turkey will manage the logistics and venue of the summit, expected to be held in Antalya, while Australia — via its Climate Minister Chris Bowen — will lead the negotiation process as COP President. Bowen will have the power to appoint co-facilitators, draft text, and issue key decisions. ABC

This “highly unusual” arrangement reflects both countries’ willingness to compromise, given the rigid UNFCCC rules. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the deal represents a strong outcome, while Turkish officials emphasized cooperation and multilateralism. 

However, not everyone is pleased. Some environmental groups see the deal as symbolic rather than substantive, warning that core issues like fossil fuel phase-out and deforestation must feature prominently in COP31’s agenda. AP News Meanwhile, the UN climate chief, Simon Stiell, had urged both countries to resolve the impasse quickly, citing the risk of planning paralysis. Reuters

The compromise also avoids a fallback scenario: under UN rules, if neither country had settled the dispute, COP31 could have defaulted to Bonn, Germany — which some EU diplomats had flagged as their fallback option, though Germany has expressed reluctance to host on short notice. 

Turkey, for its part, has pitched the deal as a win for global climate diplomacy. Turkish climate officials argue the agreement underlines their commitment to an “inclusive and results-oriented” COP, with Ankara serving as a bridge between developed and developing nations.

As COP31 preparations begin in earnest, all eyes will be on whether this diplomatic compromise translates into meaningful climate action — especially with Australia, a major emitter, now set to lead the negotiating track.