Australia and Turkey will co-host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) this November, marking an unprecedented leadership arrangement for the annual climate summit. The event is scheduled to take place from November 9 in Antalya, Turkey, with both countries sharing responsibilities in a unique dual-presidency model, a first in UN climate negotiations.
The joint hosting follows a protracted contest between Australia and Turkey to secure the 2026 summit. While Australia initially garnered broader regional support, Turkey maintained its candidacy, citing its potential to bridge industrialized and developing nations and the suitability of Antalya’s accommodations. After extensive diplomatic negotiations, a compromise was reached: Turkey will formally preside over the COP31 summit, hosting world leaders and setting the agenda, while Australia will control the formal negotiation process. Chris Bowen, Australia’s Climate Minister, has been named “president of negotiations,” granted “exclusive authority” over the talks. Meanwhile, Turkey’s Environment Minister Murat Kurum serves as COP31 president.
Despite assurances from both governments about close cooperation, some ambiguity persists regarding the division of power. Kurum has emphasized that Turkey retains ultimate authority over all COP31 decisions, stating that “final decision rests with the COP31 presidency.” Bowen has described the arrangement as collaborative, saying he and Kurum would jointly finalize the proceedings. Both leaders have downplayed questions about potential friction, highlighting a strong working relationship, including lighthearted mentions of their national football teams’ World Cup encounters.
Observers note that this dual-presidency is unprecedented and brings potential risks amid already complex negotiations. Anna Perez Catala of the Paris-based Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) commented that while the arrangement aims to demonstrate cooperation, it also creates room for possible disagreements. Former German climate envoy Jennifer Morgan warned that unclear leadership roles could distract from the substantive work of the summit.
In a nod to Australia’s Pacific interests, pre-COP meetings are being held in Fiji and Tuvalu this week, signaling an effort to include voices from the region. However, the broader climate diplomacy landscape remains challenging, with rising energy security concerns, waning trust in multilateral institutions, and persistent divisions over policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel emissions.
A French government official acknowledged the novelty of the joint presidency, emphasizing a “clear division of roles” while noting that the effectiveness of this approach will become apparent during the summit itself. As COP31 approaches, the international community will be watching closely to see whether this unprecedented co-hosting arrangement can provide steady leadership amid a critical moment for global climate action.