Australia on Monday rejected Turkiye’s proposal to co-host next year’s UN climate summit, intensifying a standoff that is overshadowing COP30 negotiations in Brazil.
Both nations are competing to host COP31, and Brazil is urging them to break the deadlock to avoid an embarrassing impasse in Belem. COP31’s host must be chosen by consensus. Without an agreement—or a withdrawal from either side—the decision would default for the first time to Germany.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese firmly ruled out a joint bid, saying: “That’s not an option, and people are aware that it is not an option, which is why it has been ruled out.” A Turkish diplomatic source told AFP that Ankara still supports a co-presidency model but is prepared to proceed alone if necessary.
Australia is pitching Adelaide as its host city, hoping to highlight the climate challenges facing Pacific Island nations. While the Pacific region is among the most vulnerable to climate impacts, Australia’s own climate record remains under scrutiny due to its reliance on coal exports and years of domestic political divisions over emissions policy.
If successful, Australia would bring the COP summit to the Pacific region for the first time. Turkiye, meanwhile, says its plan would also prioritise vulnerable regions, including special sessions focused on the Pacific. Brazil has appointed a mediator to help bridge the divide, but diplomats say talks have stalled with no sign of a breakthrough before COP30 ends on November 21.
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