Turkey wins bid to host 2025 un climate summit after australia withdraws in unusual compromise deal

In an unexpected turn of events at this year’s UN climate conference in Brazil, Turkey has secured the right to host the crucial COP31 climate summit in 2025 after Australia withdrew from a lengthy bidding competition. The announcement came as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed delegates at the current climate talks in Belém.

Australia’s Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed his country’s withdrawal on Wednesday, but revealed an unusual compromise arrangement that will see him serve as president of the negotiations despite Turkey hosting the event in the resort city of Antalya. Under this agreement, Bowen will retain significant authority over the summit’s proceedings, including the power to manage negotiations, appoint facilitators, draft key documents, and issue final decisions. “Obviously, it would be great if Australia could have it all,” Bowen acknowledged, “But we can’t have it all.”

The unconventional power-sharing arrangement has drawn criticism from environmental groups. Greenpeace labeled the deal “highly unusual” and emphasized that regardless of the hosting arrangements, the summit must prioritize eliminating fossil fuels and ending deforestation. David Ritter of Greenpeace Australia Pacific stressed that “the urgency and focus cannot change” despite the diplomatic compromise.

Looking ahead, Ethiopia has already been selected to host COP32, with India among several nations bidding for subsequent conferences. The hosting decisions come at a critical time as countries face mounting pressure to accelerate climate action and meet international emissions reduction targets.