COP31 HOST ANNOUNCED, AUSTRALIA & PACIFIC IN KEY ROLE
It’s official: COP31 will be hosted in Türkiye, with Australia taking on the role of President of COP Negotiations with a pre-COP meeting in the Pacific.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is a crucial global gathering where nations come together to tackle the climate crisis, set ambitious targets, and drive meaningful action.
Türkiye will host COP31 in 2026, while Australia will take on the Presidency of COP Negotiations and co-host the pre-COP leaders’ event in partnership with the Pacific.
Australia may not be hosting COP31, but Australia’s role in partnership with the Pacific provides a unique and powerful platform to influence global outcomes.
As the COP31 President of Negotiations, Australia will play a key role in the negotiations. The special Pre-COP meeting for leaders and others in the Pacific, to be co-led by Australia and the Pacific, will provide an opportunity to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, embrace clean energy, and put Pacific and First Nations leadership at the heart of global climate action.
WWF-Australia will work closely with WWF-Türkiye and WWF-Pacific to make COP31 a turning point for the planet. This is our moment to catalyse real change for people, climate, and nature.
A COP Rooted in Justice and Partnership
COP31 must be a people’s COP, prioritising inclusivity, grassroots participation, and leadership from those most affected by climate change. Pacific nations, experts in climate diplomacy while also on the frontlines of the climate crisis, must be equal partners, shaping the agenda with their expertise and vision.
True partnership means taking bold steps: ending new coal and gas developments, committing to climate finance, and embracing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The world is watching, and Australia has a chance to show decisive climate leadership.
Powering the Future with Renewables
Australia has the potential to be a renewable energy superpower. With world-class resources, we can replace fossil fuel exports with clean energy solutions for major trading partners. Being a leading voice in the COP31 negotiations is our opportunity to show the world a bold, credible path forward, one that fast-tracks the global phase-out of fossil fuels while protecting nature and communities.
A New Era for Global Climate Action
COP31 will follow COP30 in Brazil and precedes COP32 in Africa.
This unprecedented sequence of Southern Hemisphere COPs can amplify underrepresented voices, accelerate action, and center Indigenous leadership in global climate negotiations. COP31 must be more than symbolic, it must drive investment, inspire innovation, and speed up the world’s exit from fossil fuels. Australia must step up to showcase real solutions and ensure no community is left behind.
Climate COP FAQs
What is a Climate Cop?
A COP (Conference of the Parties) is an annual global summit where countries negotiate actions to tackle climate change under the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).
What is COP31?
COP31 refers to the 31st Conference of the Parties. The numbering started with COP1 in 1995, which was the first official meeting of the parties after the UNFCCC came into force in 1994.
Why are COP meetings important?
They help set global climate policies, encourage emissions reductions, and foster collaboration on climate solutions.
What is the Paris Agreement?
Adopted at COP21 in 2015, it commits 195 countries to limit global warming to well below 2°C, and to pursue efforts to 1.5°C.
Who attends COP?
Representatives from almost every country, along with NGOs, businesses, scientists, and activists—sometimes exceeding 80000 participants.
What happens at COP?
Countries negotiate climate policies, pledge commitments, and collaborate on strategies to reduce emissions and support vulnerable communities. Non-state actors advocate on their priorities, hold governments to account, secure funding for their work and generate awareness for climate action in their communities.
Where are COPs hosted?
COPs are hosted in a different country each year and are organised within the five regional groupings of the United Nations: Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean and Western Europe and Others. Within their respective grouping, countries bid to host future COPs, and if the bid is approved, that country assumes the COP Presidency for an entire year.
Why should Australia host COP31 despite economic challenges?
Beyond addressing climate change, hosting COP31 could boost Australia’s economy through tourism and investment, strengthening its position as a leader in clean energy and renewables.
Does flying delegates to COP contradict climate goals?
While travel emissions are a factor, COPs drive global climate agreements that result in long-term emissions reductions. Hosts, including Australia, can minimise the carbon footprint by using renewable energy and promoting sustainable transport.
Who will host COP31?
Türkiye will host COP31, including the world leaders’ summit.
What is Australia’s role at COP31?
Australia will serve as the “President of Negotiations”. The COP31 President (from Türkiye) will delegate the task of leading the negotiations to Australia from the conclusion of COP30 in Brasil to the end of COP31.
What does the “President of Negotiations” actually do?
They lead the negotiations agenda at COP31, convene consultations through the year, select ministerial and other co‑facilitators, produce draft texts, and act as the focal point with the UNFCCC on negotiations.
Will there be a pre‑COP meeting? Where?
Yes. A pre‑COP will be hosted in the Pacific, with Australia and Pacific Island countries presiding and setting the agenda.
WWF-Australia's goal
How we will achieve this
Support decision-making processes that centre Indigenous leadership, particularly of First Nations and the Pacific.
Work with WWF Türkiye, WWF Pacific and the WWF International network to magnify collective climate action at COP31.
Regenerative Sky
WWF-Australia is not only dedicated to building momentum for COP31, but our vision is to support Australia in becoming a global leader in securing a healthy climate powered by communities, nature, and renewable energy.
COP31 BID CAN REVIVE AUSTRALIA’S GLOBAL REPUTATION
Australia’s bid to host the COP31 climate talks is a chance to catalyse climate action around the world and revive our global reputation, said the World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia.
COP31 BID CAN REVIVE AUSTRALIA’S GLOBAL REPUTATION
Australia’s bid to host the COP31 climate talks is a chance to catalyse climate action around the world and revive our global reputation, said the World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia.
COP31 BID CAN REVIVE AUSTRALIA’S GLOBAL REPUTATION
Australia’s bid to host the COP31 climate talks is a chance to catalyse climate action around the world and revive our global reputation, said the World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia.