Türkiye Reaffirms Commitment to Cooperation and Inclusivity in Bid to Host COP31

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye has underscored the principles of cooperation, inclusiveness, and constructive dialogue as it advances its candidacy to host and chair the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled for 2026.

According to Turkish diplomatic sources on Sunday, Türkiye and Australia had emerged as the two candidate nations to host COP31. Discussions between Ankara and Canberra, initiated during the 80th UN General Assembly, established a basis of mutual understanding and progressed through what officials described as “constructive dialogue.”

During these exchanges, the two sides reached a preliminary consensus to co-chair the COP31 presidency, jointly host high-level meetings, and conduct negotiation processes together — a first-of-its-kind model intended to strengthen global cooperation.

Australian PM Rejects Earlier Understanding

However, diplomatic sources revealed that the process encountered a setback after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sent a letter to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan rejecting previously agreed-upon terms. Australia argued that the proposed co-chairing model is not envisioned under UN rules and could shift COP31 away from a Pacific-centered agenda.

Despite Canberra’s withdrawal from the earlier understanding, diplomatic circles stressed that Türkiye views the co-chairing model as a pioneering example of multilateralism, a principle reflected in President Erdoğan’s response to Albanese.

Türkiye Prepared to Host COP31 Independently

Sources emphasized that Ankara still believes flexible, good-faith arrangements can help deliver a successful COP31. Nonetheless, if consensus cannot be reached, Türkiye stands ready to host the conference and assume the presidency alone.

Turkish officials highlighted that Türkiye wants COP31 to address not only regional priorities but also the needs of the world’s most climate-vulnerable areas. Within this framework, special sessions dedicated to Pacific nations could still be organized, they noted.

Türkiye’s candidacy, officials added, is rooted in cooperation and inclusivity — a global appeal for unity and shared responsibility, rather than a regional bid.

Ankara will continue championing climate action through dialogue, inclusiveness, and mutual respect, encouraging all parties to advance the process constructively.

If No Agreement Emerges, COP31 May Be Held in Bonn

Under UNFCCC procedural rules, if parties fail to reach consensus on a host country, COP31 will take place in Bonn, Germany, home to the UNFCCC Secretariat.

Background: The UNFCCC and COP

The UNFCCC, opened for signature at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, marked a landmark global commitment to address the impacts of global warming. The Convention entered into force on March 21, 1994, with Türkiye joining on May 24, 2004.

The Conference of the Parties (COP), the UNFCCC’s top decision-making body, convenes annually to adopt decisions by consensus among participating nations.