Overview
- Official deal text published by the UN confirms Turkey will host COP31 in Antalya in 2026 and hold the COP presidency.
- An Australian representative will serve as "President of Negotiations" with exclusive authority over negotiations, while Turkey presides over the conference.
- If disagreements arise between Turkey and Australia, the agreement requires consultations until they reach a mutually satisfactory resolution.
- The compromise followed months of deadlock under UN consensus rules that left the choice between Turkey hosting or a default meeting in Bonn.
- Australia will convene a Pacific pre-COP to elevate island nations’ priorities, as South Australia registers disappointment over sunk bid costs and the federal government highlights avoiding a hosting bill estimated up to roughly $2 billion.