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23 November 2025

Following the negotiations led by Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum at the 30th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, it was agreed that the COP31 Conference of the Parties next year will be hosted and presided over by Türkiye. A consensus was also reached that Australia will contribute to the process in the capacity of negotiation chair, and that the Pre-COP will take place in a Pacific country. Türkiye secured the presidency with its commitment to “a more just and inclusive diplomacy where no country is left behind.” Marking a historic diplomatic achievement, Türkiye will host the COP for the first time, bringing together the leaders of 196 countries to discuss their commitments, policies, and recommended solutions to address the climate crisis.

The 30th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change concluded in Belém, Brazil. Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum represented Türkiye at the conference. The diplomatic process, which began with Türkiye’s announcement of its candidacy for the COP31 presidency in 2022, culminated in success after five days of intensive negotiations in Belem. All parties agreed that COP31 will be held in Türkiye next year, that Türkiye will assume the presidency, and that Australia will chair the negotiations. It was also decided that the Pre-COP will take place in a Pacific country. The consensus text was adopted by the “Western European and Others” (WEOG) group under the United Nations, which includes Türkiye.

Türkiye secured the presidency with its commitment to “a more just and inclusive diplomacy where no country is left behind.” Marking a historic diplomatic achievement, Türkiye will host the Conference of the Parties (COP), the UN’s most important event on climate change mitigation, for the first time, bringing together the leaders of 196 countries. The location for the Leaders’ Summit and the COP31 sessions will be determined in the coming period.

ANTALYA CONSIDERED AS HOST FOR COP31

In his earlier remarks, Minister Kurum announced Türkiye’s plan to hold COP31 in Antalya. He noted that the city stands out for both its transport links and accommodation options, also highlighting its successful experience hosting the G20 Summit. The Leaders’ Summit of COP31 is also planned to take place in Istanbul.

TÜRKİYE’S PATH TO HOSTING COP31

In 2022, at COP27 held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Türkiye announced both its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and its candidacy to host COP31. Australia, a fellow member of the UN’s Western European and Others Group "(WEOG), also submitted a candidacy. The two countries engaged in friendly negotiations for nearly two years. Türkiye also conducted extensive diplomatic traffic with numerous other nations. At COP30 in Belem, under the leadership of Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum, five days of intensive negotiations demonstrated Türkiye’s readiness to host the conference.

INTENSE NEGOTIATIONS WITH AUSTRALIA

During the negotiations, Minister Kurum referenced the historic Turkish–Anzac friendship rooted in Çanakkale, emphasizing that this shared spirit could guide a united global response to the climate crisis. He emphasized that Türkiye, situated in the Mediterranean basin and deeply affected by climate change, bears far less historical responsibility than many developed nations, yet continues to take decisive climate action. Minister Kurum emphasized that Türkiye is a leading global actor in climate action and is prepared to share its expertise while taking a leadership role in multilateral climate diplomacy. He also noted that Türkiye is advancing resolutely toward its 2053 Net- Zero Emissions Target through the Climate Law, the Zero Waste Movement, circular economy initiatives, and a diverse portfolio of renewable energy sources, serving as a model in the field.

WHAT IS COP?

The Conference of the Parties (COP), held annually with participation from 197 countries, establishes global rules and mechanisms for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation policies, climate finance, loss and damage mechanisms, and carbon market regulations. In the context of the United Nations, the term “Parties” refers to the countries that signed the first UN Climate Agreement in 1992. As the supreme decision-making body of the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), COP plays a central role in shaping mechanisms to combat the global climate crisis. The first COP was held in Berlin, Germany, in 1995.

HOW IS COP HOSTING DETERMINED?

The host country for COP is decided through consensus among the candidate nations. Candidate countries are expected to reach an agreement among themselves. If no formal objection is raised by any Party, consensus is considered achieved. Otherwise, the summit is held in Bonn, Germany, home to the UNFCCC Secretariat. Hosting of the annual COP summit is rotated among five regional groups of the UN. Last year, Azerbaijan from the Eastern European group hosted the summit. This year, the host was Brazil from the Latin America and Caribbean group. In 2026, hosting will rotate to the Western European and Others Group (WEOG), which includes Türkiye.