The UN has officially confirmed that Turkey will host COP31 in 2026, marking the first time the country will organize a UN climate summit. The conference will be held in Antalya, following a political compromise in which Turkey assumes hosting responsibilities while Australia takes on the COP31 Presidency after withdrawing its own hosting bid. The move aims to balance Pacific climate concerns with broader geopolitical engagement, though some observers warn the dual arrangement may complicate coordination.
Turkish officials described the hosting decision as an opportunity to “bridge global divides,” while Australian representatives said their focus would be to “elevate Pacific climate realities to the center of negotiations.” Climate groups, however, cautioned that Turkey’s fossil-fuel interests could shape the ambition of the talks.
Meanwhile, attention is already shifting toward COP32, after Ethiopia was confirmed as the 2027 host. Addis Ababa’s selection has been welcomed widely across Africa, with leaders calling it a milestone for Global South climate leadership. Ethiopia’s government said it intends to make COP32 “a turning point for adaptation finance and resilience,” reflecting growing pressure on developed countries to deliver on funding commitments.
As planning for COP31 begins, diplomats say the back-to-back summits in Turkey and Ethiopia could significantly influence global climate governance—placing two strategically important regions at the center of negotiations during a critical decade for climate action.
