Turkey to Host COP31, Australia to Lead Climate Talks

Turkey wins next year's COP31 hosting rights while Australia's climate minister will lead negotiations under a compromise deal. A diplomatic victory showcasing Turkey's global climate leadership, or a failure that undermines Pacific nations?

Published 11 hours ago·Updated 6 hours ago

Turkey to Host COP31, Australia to Lead Climate Talks

story

Above: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivers a speech at the Family and Culture-Arts Symposium held at the Nation's Library in Ankara, Turkey, on Nov. 20, 2025. Image credit: Murat Kula/Contributor/Anadolu/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Turkey's successful bid to host COP31 in Antalya represents a major diplomatic victory and the right choice for global climate leadership. As an emerging economy, Turkey brings crucial perspective on bridging the gap between rich and poor nations with a truly global rather than narrow regional focus. Australia's withdrawal from hosting demonstrates international recognition that the country's continued coal and gas approvals undermine its climate credibility.

Backchannel on Substack

Narrative B

Australia's withdrawal from hosting COP31 represents a clear diplomatic failure after three years of campaigning that ends in disappointment for Pacific nations. Turkey's obstinate refusal to compromise despite having less international support has been described as causing havoc in the UN climate process. The unprecedented arrangement salvages little from what should have been a Pacific-focused summit addressing the existential crisis facing island nations.

ABC News The Sydney Morning Herald