Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Australia PM Writes to Turkey's Erdogan on COP31 Hosting Standoff
Imagine two friends, Australia and Turkey, both want to host a big party for their friends to talk about saving the planet.
They both asked the grown-ups (the United Nations) if they could host.
But neither friend will let the other one host, so they are arguing about it.
Australia says it's important for its friends in small islands nearby, who are very worried about the ocean rising.
Turkey says it would be easier for people to fly there and that they don't use as much dirty energy.
The grown-ups are asking them to please figure it out because this party is important.
Australia's leader wrote a letter to Turkey's leader to try and solve the problem.
It's tricky because everyone needs to agree, and there isn't a clear way to pick one friend over the other right now.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to resolve a dispute over hosting COP31.
Both Australia and Turkey submitted bids in 2022 to host the United Nations climate conference and have not conceded.
Australia's bid is supported by the Pacific Islands Forum, highlighting the vulnerability of island nations to climate change.
Turkey argues its location could reduce flight emissions and points to its smaller fossil fuel industry.
The UN has urged the countries to resolve the standoff, calling the delay unhelpful.
- Who
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan
- What
- A dispute over which country will host the COP31 climate conference.
- When
- The bids were submitted in 2022, and the issue remains unresolved.
- Where
- The hosting decision is made within the United Nations framework, involving the Western Europe and Others Group bloc.
- Why
- Both Australia and Turkey have refused to concede their bids, leading to a diplomatic standoff. Australia emphasizes the vulnerability of Pacific island nations to climate change, while Turkey points to potential travel emission reductions and its smaller fossil fuel industry.
Australia's Stance
Turkey's Stance
Hosting Rationale
Australia's Stance
Australia emphasizes the need to protect Pacific island nations that are existentially threatened by climate change and rising sea levels, with its bid supported by the Pacific Islands Forum.
Turkey's Stance
Turkey argues its Mediterranean location could reduce flight emissions for delegates and highlights its smaller oil and gas industry compared to Australia.
Resolution Approach
Australia's Stance
Prime Minister Albanese has written directly to President Erdogan to engage and resolve the issue, highlighting the lack of a clear process for finalising the decision.
Turkey's Stance
Turkey has not publicly detailed its current approach but has maintained its bid alongside Australia's.
- Event
- COP31 Summit Hosting Bid
- Bidding Countries
- Australia, Turkey
- Australia's Bid Partner
- Pacific Islands Forum (18 countries)
- UN Stance
- Urged resolution, called delay unhelpful
- Relevant Bloc
- Western Europe and Others Group (28 members)