Turkey has formally proposed a joint presidency and shared hosting duties with Australia for the COP31 climate summit, aiming to end a stalemate between the two nations that has delayed the hosting decision.

Diplomatic sources in Ankara said that talks on the idea of a co-leadership model took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September, generating what they describe as “a basis of mutual understanding”.

However, the proposal has not yet been accepted and remains under negotiation.

Both Australia and Turkey submitted bids in 2022 to host COP31 in 2026. Neither country has withdrawn, creating an impasse at this year’s COP30 meeting in Belém, Brazil, where the host country must be decided.

Under the rules of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the conference host is selected by unanimous consent of the 28-member “Western Europe and Others Group” (WEOG) of nations.

According to the Reuters report of 16 November 2025, Turkey’s offer would see Australia and Turkey share oversight — Australia could retain the presidency of negotiations while Turkey might host key moments or delegate events within a shared framework.

The Turkish sources said that later exchanges exposed fundamental differences over how co-presidency would fit within UN procedures.

Australia has publicly affirmed it has “overwhelming support” for its bid, backed by the Pacific Islands Forum and many regional nations, and proposes to host COP31 in partnership with Pacific island nations to highlight climate threats faced in that region.

Turkey, by contrast, emphasises its candidacy’s focus on inclusivity, increased climate finance for developing countries and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2053. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has communicated to Australian counterparts that “flexible formulas” remain possible even as Turkey is prepared to host the summit alone and lead the presidency if no compromise is reached.

The deadlock is causing concern.

The UN’s climate chief previously urged the two countries to settle the matter, warning that the delay “is unhelpful to the process” and could undermine preparation for the global climate negotiations.

If the impasse persists and no host is agreed, the summit could default to being held in Bonn, Germany — the seat of the UNFCCC — a scenario viewed as less desirable because it would deny either nation the elevated diplomacy and global influence that comes with hosting.

Diplomatic manoeuvres continue at COP30 in Brazil, where Australia’s Energy Minister Chris Bowen has travelled to reinforce Canberra’s campaign.

Turkey has sent its vice-president, Cevdet Yılmaz, to represent its interests.

Both sides have recognised that the window to resolve the matter is narrow: the host decision must be reached by the end of COP30 this month or risk fallout.

For Australia, hosting COP31 is framed as a strategic opportunity to bolster its climate leadership in the Indo-Pacific region, promote renewable-energy industries, and give voice to vulnerable Pacific Island nations.

For Turkey, gaining the role offers a chance to enhance its role as a bridge between developed and developing nations, and to stage a high-profile international event that aligns with its evolving policy narrative on climate and energy.

With the time pressure mounting, the next few days of diplomacy may prove decisive in determining whether the co-hosting formula proposed by Turkey becomes acceptable, whether one party withdraws, or whether the stalemate triggers the default to Bonn’s hosting of COP31.