Australian officials are putting on a brave face despite reports they have all but given up hosting the global climate conference, COP31 in Adelaide next year.

With just days left until a decision must be made, federal government ministers said they are still trying to win the rights to hold the United Nations summit in Adelaide in conjunction with Pacific nations – despite Turkey refusing to drop its rival bid and media reports that Australia has conceded.

Under United Nations rules, the hosting rights are decided by consensus and negotiation, not a vote.

If Australia and Turkey could not agree on hosting rights, then the conference would be held at the UN climate headquarters in Germany – an outcome both the Prime Minister and the Pacific Island Affairs Minister said this week they

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