A years-long standoff between Australia and Turkey over who should host the 2026 United Nations climate summit has left delegates and other nations frustrated, with no resolution expected until the final stages of the ongoing Cop30 conference in Belém, Brazil.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on Thursday that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had written to him reiterating Turkey's position to host the summit in Antalya. Albanese maintained Australia's bid to co-host a "Pacific Cop" in Adelaide with island nations, noting that no Cop has ever been held in the Pacific region despite existential threats facing countries like Tuvalu and Kiribati.
The deadlock stems from the opaque decision-making process of the UN, where hosting rights rotate among regional groups. For Cop31, responsibility lies with the Western Europe and Others Group, which includes both Australia and Turkey. While most of the 28 members back the Australia-Pacific bid, consensus is required, and Turkey has refused to yield.
Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr. urged Turkey to step aside as a gesture of solidarity, saying the Pacific bid has the most support. Germany, as home of the UN climate headquarters in Bonn, would be obliged to host if no agreement is reached, but Berlin is resisting that possibility.
The impasse has frustrated delegates and highlighted the geopolitical complexities of hosting a global climate summit. With less than a week remaining of the current talks, the outcome remains uncertain, though both camps continue to lobby for support.
