Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has formally dismissed the idea of co-hosting the COP31 climate summit with Turkey, citing the rules of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as prohibiting such an arrangement.

In a press briefing, he stated that a joint presidency or hosting format “is not an option” under the convention’s rules.

The decision leaves Australia and Turkey locked in a diplomatic impasse that risks leaving the German city of Bonn as the fallback host if no consensus emerges.

Australia is seeking to host the summit—scheduled for 2026—in partnership with Pacific island nations, aiming to spotlight regional climate vulnerability and green-industrial opportunities.

Canberra claims it already enjoys support from the majority of the Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG) of countries that must agree unanimously on the host.

Turkey, meanwhile, insists it will continue its bid, citing its Mediterranean location, logistical advantages and planned net-zero target of 2053.

The stalemate has also triggered internal political criticism in Australia, where some voices view the bid as increasingly uncertain and costly.

Debate has intensified over the strategic value of hosting the summit amid signs that neither country is willing to yield.

With the upcoming COP30 meeting in Belém, Brazil, entering its final days, time is running out to break the deadlock.

If agreement is not reached, Bonn—home to the UNFCCC secretariat—will assume hosting obligations by default, a scenario seen as unpalatable by both competitors.

Climate minister Chris Bowen has reiterated that Australia wishes to prevail and remains active in diplomatic efforts in Brazil.

But the lack of resolution means preparatory planning for the summit must pause until the host decision is locked in, raising broader concerns that the delay could undermine the effectiveness of the global climate process at a critical moment.