Belém: Germany announced the development in a statement issued alongside the group of Western and other nations responsible for selecting the host of COP31, currently convened at COP30 in Brazil. According to the statement, Turkey will host the 2026 edition of the climate summit, while Australia will take charge of leading the negotiation process throughout the year, an arrangement that confirms earlier expectations of a shared hosting framework.

The agreement brings closure to a prolonged standoff between Turkey and Australia, who had both been vying to host the high-stakes UN climate talks. Under the newly established structure, Turkey will manage the on-ground hosting duties, while Australia will spearhead the crucial diplomatic negotiations that shape global climate commitments.

Officials noted that in the event of any disagreements between the two countries during the preparatory process, consultations would be held “until the difference was resolved to their satisfaction,” ensuring a unified approach to summit planning and agenda setting.

As part of the lead-up to COP31, a pre-COP summit will be held in a Pacific Island nation, further emphasizing the region’s climate vulnerabilities and amplifying Pacific perspectives. Australia, meanwhile, will oversee the full year-long negotiation process, setting priorities and shaping discussions ahead of the 2026 gathering.