COP31 Hosting Finalised: Resolution of the Turkey–Australia Dispute

Summary (UPSC Perspective):

• After the agreement reached between Turkey and Australia during COP30 held in Brazil, the way has been cleared for Turkey to host COP31. This agreement ends the hosting dispute that has been ongoing for the past two years and indicates a balance in global climate diplomacy.

Hosting Dispute: Background

• In the year 2022, both Turkey and Australia had applied to host COP31.
• Neither country was willing to step back at any cost, due to which a long deadlock persisted.
• The year preceding COP31 will involve important global discussions related to climate finance, adaptation, and emission commitments; therefore, a clear determination of leadership was essential.

Key Points of the Agreement

• Turkey will be the host and presiding country of COP31.
• Australia will lead the Intergovernmental Negotiations, although it will not be the host country.
• Under the agreement, a pre-COP meeting will be held in the Pacific Region.
• Objective: To include the climate concerns of Small Island States in the global agenda.
• The final approval on the agreement is still pending, but it is considered an important step towards diplomatic balance.

Current Status and International Reactions

• Both Turkey and Australia have not yet issued any formal statement.
• Discussions are ongoing among member countries regarding procedural issues and consensus-building.
• This development reflects the adjustment of regional interests in global climate governance.

Importance in Global Climate Governance (Exam-Oriented Analysis)

• COP31 can play a decisive role in shaping the direction of global emission policies, climate finance, adaptation strategies, and net-zero goals in the coming decade.
• For Turkey, this is an opportunity to emerge as a major global climate dialogue platform.
• Australia’s leadership reflects its growing role in climate diplomacy, especially in the context of Pacific region countries.