Australia and Türkiye are currently engaged in negotiations over hosting the COP31 climate summit, which is set for next year. The Australian government is working to resolve a diplomatic stalemate regarding the event. Türkiye has not withdrawn its bid to host the summit, despite pressure from Pacific nations and strong support for Australia from many European countries.

Australia has expressed frustration over the ongoing delays, warning that if a resolution is not reached, the summit may revert to the United Nations offices in Bonn, Germany. The Australian government aims to use COP31 to address urgent climate issues faced by Pacific nations and to advocate for more ambitious climate action. Officials from Australia have kept Pacific leaders informed about the discussions.

Türkiye has suggested a shared presidency for COP31, but the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has indicated that co-presidencies are not allowed. However, some Pacific Island government sources have proposed a compromise where Australia would hold the presidency while sharing hosting rights with Türkiye. This arrangement would allow events to take place in both countries. Some Pacific nations are open to this idea, but it remains uncertain whether Türkiye would agree.

One Pacific source noted, "We've been pushing for the [Australia and Pacific COP] bid but this might be the only way forward." Several Pacific climate ministers are traveling to Australia this week to discuss this proposal with Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen.

Türkiye's Climate Change Minister, Murat Kurum, stated that both countries are seeking "innovative solutions" for the summit and believe they can achieve a successful outcome based on their historical ties. An Australian government source confirmed that the idea of shared hosting has been discussed but emphasized that no decisions have been made yet.

Concerns have been raised by some Pacific governments about the potential dilution of their influence in a split summit. While UN rules prevent Pacific nations from sharing the COP presidency with Australia, they still want to play a significant role in the discussions.

As the deadline for a resolution approaches, diplomatic activity surrounding COP31 has increased. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Climate Minister Chris Bowen have all advocated for Australia's case during the UN General Assembly in New York. Albanese noted that a compromise would be necessary to move forward, stating, "If it is not agreed that one or other country withdraw, and our bid of course is a joint bid with the Pacific, then the default position is the conference goes to Bonn."

Earlier this month, Wong described the negotiations as "pretty difficult," highlighting Türkiye's firm stance. Bowen has held discussions with Kurum and other officials, including Türkiye's first lady, Emine Erdoğan, who is believed to be influential in the bid.

While splitting a COP meeting is not common, it has occurred before. For instance, COP25 was originally set to be held in Santiago, Chile, but was moved to Spain due to unrest, with Chile remaining as the president of the conference.

Richie Merzian, CEO of the Clean Energy Investor Group, noted that negotiations are intensifying and there is a strong desire to reach an agreement to prevent the summit from reverting to Bonn. He suggested that a deal could emerge during the COP30 meeting in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of finalizing the hosting arrangements to maintain momentum in global climate talks. Merzian stated, "So long as Australia and the Pacific host the main COP negotiations over the two weeks and holds the presidency that goes with it, all the other elements should be in play."

The situation remains fluid, with various options being considered as both countries work toward a resolution for COP31.