Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Sunday that a formal agreement has been reached for Türkiye to host the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), confirming details previously outlined in a document released at the COP30 summit in Brazil.

The decision followed a statement issued earlier this week by Germany on behalf of the Western European and Others Group (WEOG), the regional bloc responsible for selecting the 2026 host country. The statement confirmed that Türkiye would assume the role of host, while Australia would lead the negotiation process—an arrangement described as a compromise solution to end a prolonged diplomatic standoff over the hosting rights.

“Formal agreement has been reached for COP31 to be hosted by Türkiye in Antalya, with the Pacific’s interests advanced by Australia assuming the role of President of Negotiations in the lead up to and at the meeting,” Albanese said in an official statement.

Under the terms of the agreement, Australia will hold exclusive authority over the negotiation processes, guiding decision-making throughout the summit. At the same time, the Pacific region—one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable areas—will host a special pre-COP meeting designed to underscore “the existential threat climate change poses to the region.”

The Pacific Islands Forum, a regional bloc representing 18 countries, had earlier endorsed Australia’s bid to oversee negotiations. Several of the Forum’s member states face the immediate threat of disappearing due to rising sea levels, adding urgency to their involvement in global climate policymaking.

COP summits, once primarily diplomatic gatherings, have expanded significantly in scale over the years, evolving into major global forums where countries not only negotiate emissions targets but also showcase economic opportunities tied to the green transition.

COP31 in Antalya is expected to draw tens of thousands of delegates, including world leaders, climate experts, civil society groups, and private-sector participants, as Türkiye positions itself at the center of global climate diplomacy in 2026. (ILKHA)