The Australian Prime Minister announced on Tuesday evening, November 18, that he would not oppose Turkey hosting next year’s UN climate summit, and suggested that Canberra step down to resolve the dispute with Ankara.
Diplomats attending COP30 in Brazil have only a few days left to resolve the issue of competing candidates from Australia and Türkiye, otherwise COP31 will be held by default in the German city of Bonn. Under United Nations rules, the host country can only be chosen by consensus, so both contenders could miss out if neither withdraws.
“If Australia is not selected, if Türkiye is selected, we will not exercise a veto”said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a press conference, as the first step forward.
Bonn as an option in case of failure
Canberra on Monday rejected Ankara’s offer to co-host the summit, explaining that it was difficult to divide this responsibility between two geographically distant countries.
“The system works in such a way that if there is no agreement and there is more than one candidate, then it is up to Bonn”continued Anthony Albanese. “There is considerable concern, not only in the Pacific but also internationally, that this will not send a positive signal of the unity the world needs to act on climate.”he warned.
Australia has the opportunity to host COP31 with its neighbors in the Pacific islands, which occupy one of the regions most threatened by climate change. Anthony Albanese said he was looking for ways to highlight the region, even if Australia withdrew from the race, citing his example “leaders meeting” in the Pacific.
