CANBERRA, Australia — Australia will serve as President of Negotiations at the COP31 climate conference, which Türkiye hosts in Antalya from Nov. 9 to 20, the Australian government said.
Türkiye’s environment minister, Murat Kurum, will serve as COP31 President, Diplo reported on Nov. 5.
Key facts
- Australia is “leading the official negotiations, working closely with COP31 President, Türkiye, to deliver outcomes,” the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said.
- Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen holds “exclusive authority in relation to the negotiations,” in consultation with Türkiye, under the agreement, Diplo reported.
- The Leaders’ Summit is scheduled for Nov. 11–12, Diplo reported.
- Fiji hosted the Pre-COP meeting and Tuvalu a leaders’ event from Oct. 5 to 8, in partnership with Australia, the department said.
Australia’s priorities
Australia’s focus is on speeding the global shift to clean energy, boosting finance and investment, growing the green economy and elevating Pacific priorities, the department said.
Türkiye and Australia will host a session on the climate finance needs of small island developing states, the department said.
Questions about the shared arrangement
The agreement contains no specific procedure for breaking a deadlock between the two countries, Diplo reported.
Asked who brings down the gavel, Bowen said “Kurum and I… Together,” according to Diplo. Kurum said “Türkiye and Australia are not co-presidents,” the outlet reported.
The two governments formally confirmed the arrangement on Nov. 23, 2025, Diplo reported.
Related coverage
- Oceania News: Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific
- Climate and Environment News
- Climate Strain in Oceania: El Niño Drought Hits Tonga and Papua New Guinea
Sources
- Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, “COP31 Australia-Pacific”
- Diplo, “COP31: Who holds the pen when someone else holds the gavel?” Nov. 5, 2026
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