TURKEY is set to host COP31 next year after an unusual deal with Australia, which will supply the COP president for 2026. The compromise ends a prolonged host search that had become a diplomatic embarrassment for the UN, though officials caution that preparing for thousands of visitors and forging consensus in under a year will be difficult. COP32 is slated for Ethiopia — the first sub‑Saharan host since 2011 — raising cautious optimism that Africa's climate impacts will receive greater attention.
Turkey to Host COP31 After Unusual Deal with Australia — Australian to Serve as COP President in 2026
Turkey is expected to host COP31 next year after an unusual diplomatic compromise with Australia. Under the arrangement, Turkey will provide the venue while an Australian will serve as COP president for 2026 — a split that departs from the usual practice of the host country supplying the presidency.
The agreement is a relief for the United Nations after a prolonged search for a host that had become an embarrassment for organizers of such a major diplomatic summit. Officials warn that preparing logistics for thousands of visitors, coordinating international delegations and civil society, and building broad consensus on the summit’s goals within a single year will be a significant challenge.
COP32 has been slated for Ethiopia, marking the first sub‑Saharan African host since 2011. Reporter Alexis Akwagyiram described "cautious optimism" that the choice of Ethiopia will sharpen attention on how climate change is affecting Africa — from drought and food insecurity to extreme weather and displacement.
What to expect next: Turkish authorities and UN coordinators will now move quickly to finalize logistics, security and negotiating agendas. Key tasks include scaling infrastructure for delegates and media, strengthening regional engagement, and ensuring that vulnerable countries' priorities — such as adaptation finance and loss and damage — remain central to talks.
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