The COP31 climate conference is projected to take place in Turkey, following Australia’s decision to withdraw its bid to host the event. According to UN protocols, the hosting rights for the COP in 2026 are assigned to a group of countries that includes Western Europe and Australia. A consensus among these countries is required, which previously seemed elusive as neither party was willing to concede. However, Australia has chosen to support Turkey’s bid in exchange for the Turkish minister chairing the talks after negotiations during COP30 in Brazil.
This arrangement is notable because it deviates from the usual practice of having a COP president from the host country, raising questions about how this partnership will function in practice. The challenge of agreeing on a venue had become a concern, with the potential for the meeting to default to Bonn, Germany, the headquarters of the UN’s climate body. Turkey has argued for its claim to host, noting its previous decision to allow the UK to host COP26 in Glasgow without contest.
Discussions at COP30 have led to a compromise involving a pre-COP meeting on a Pacific island, with the main conference occurring in Turkey. Australia’s climate minister, Chris Bowen, will serve as the president for these discussions. Bowen stated that while it would have been ideal for Australia to host, reaching a consensus was crucial to avoid an absence of leadership in climate negotiations.
Bowen expressed confidence that a non-host COP president could effectively manage the negotiations and carry out the responsibilities typically associated with the role. Alongside Bowen, Turkey will also appoint a president responsible for logistics and scheduling during the conference. The proposed compromise is pending ratification by over 190 nations attending COP30, although significant objections are not anticipated given the challenges already faced in achieving this agreement.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx242yj380no?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss