Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen says Pacific nations have “already been doing” their part to back Australia’s bid to host the COP31 global climate summit, even as Turkiye refuses to withdraw from the race.
“The Pacific remains extremely supportive of our bid… they’ve written to Turkiye, they’ve offered to do more when and if they can,” he said from the Marshall Islands during his Pacific tour.
Australia is seeking to co-host COP31 in 2026 with Pacific Island countries and hopes to reach consensus within the UN negotiating group it belongs to. But Turkiye’s decision to stay in the running complicates the consensus-based process.
“We treat Turkiye with respect,” Bowen said.
“They’ve indicated they don’t wish to withdraw their nomination despite the fact, you know, it’s pretty clear we have the overwhelming bulk of support within the Western Europe and Others group.”
Asked whether Turkiye is seeking something in return to withdraw, Bowen declined to offer specifics.
“We’ve clearly indicated to them an outcome would be good which they are happy with, and we are happy with, but we haven’t been able to reach that outcome yet.”
Bowen stressed the unique importance of bringing the UN climate summit to the Pacific.
“There’s never been a COP in the Pacific… You won’t get that in Turkiye, with all due respect. You won’t get that in Brazil… That is something that can only be delivered in Australia.”
While COP31 has dominated headlines, Bowen emphasised that the trip was also about real progress on bilateral energy partnerships.
“This trip isn’t primarily about our COP31 bid… I signed the APPET agreement with Minister Luckjohn, and I’ll be making a major energy transition announcement in Palau,” he said.
If consensus isn’t reached before COP30 in Belem this November, Bowen warned fallback options exist, including a default host location in Germany or a vote. But he said Australia remains focused on securing the bid.
“We’re trying to avoid all that… We think [hosting in Australia] is in the best interests of the Pacific and the world.”
Asked about the Pacific’s role if Australia secures COP31, Bowen said options are being discussed.
“I want to see the Pacific front and centre in this COP… but it’s very hard to lock that in until we’ve won the bid,” Bowen.
