Australia will have “exclusive authority in relation to the negotiations” at COP31, under a formal agreement announced on 23 November 2025 by Australia’s foreign minister.
Türkiye will physically host the conference and the World Leaders Summit in Antalya. Australia assumes the role of President of Negotiations. The arrangement splits hosting from negotiating leadership.
A representative of Türkiye will be nominated for election as COP31 President at the start of the sessions, becoming COP31 President-Designate from the end of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen will fill the Australian negotiating role from the end of COP30 through the end of COP31.
Australia will select ministerial and other co-facilitators for negotiations. It will also identify additional champions with Türkiye for the action agenda and thematic priorities, including champions from Pacific island countries.
The Pacific will get a special pre-COP for leaders and others in 2026.
Its location will be decided by Pacific countries, with the Australian government providing support. Australia, in partnership with Pacific island countries, will set the agenda for the pre-COP and preside over it, including operational and logistical responsibilities.
“This will give our Pacific family the global stage they have always deserved,” the joint release said. It added that Australia and the Pacific would have “unprecedented influence” over global climate deliberations in 2026.
COP31 will include a session focused on climate finance needs of Small Island Developing States. It will provide a platform for world leaders and others to make commitments to the Pacific Resilience Facility, a Pacific-led fund to support Pacific climate responses.
Under the bilateral arrangement, the COP31 President assigns an Australian representative as President of Negotiations and delegates leadership of COP31 negotiations for the duration of the meeting. If Türkiye and Australia differ, consultations will continue until the difference is resolved to mutual satisfaction.
Türkiye will prepare communications on the conference, sign a Host Country Agreement with the UNFCCC, appoint the UN High-Level Climate Champion, and appoint the Youth Champion proposed by Australia. Türkiye is also responsible for the COP31 Action Agenda.
Australia’s listed responsibilities include taking forward mandates from negotiated outcomes, convening consultations and meetings, taking forward communications on negotiations, leading the negotiations agenda and producing draft texts, and acting as the focal point for engagement with the UNFCCC.
Australia said it negotiated with Türkiye in good faith and respects the UNFCCC consensus rules. It said it has been restoring climate leadership since May 2022 and that COP31 will bring the world’s focus to the impacts, opportunities and priorities of the Pacific region.
Sources
- COP to be hosted by Türkiye with Australia leading negotiations | Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs
- COP31 hosts Australia and Türkiye plan oil and gas expansion | Global Witness
