Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, has indicated that Pacific nations are strongly backing Australia’s bid to co-host the COP31 global climate summit in 2026, despite Turkiye’s continued bid complicating matters. During his recent tour in the Marshall Islands, Bowen noted the Pacific’s unwavering support, asserting, “The Pacific remains extremely supportive of our bid… they’ve written to Turkiye, they’ve offered to do more when and if they can.”
Australia is focused on co-hosting COP31 in collaboration with Pacific Island countries and is searching for a consensus within their UN negotiating group. However, Turkiye’s insistence on maintaining its bid has created hurdles for this process. Bowen expressed respect for Turkiye’s position but emphasized the overwhelming support Australia has from various nations, particularly within the Western Europe and Others group.
When questioned about potential negotiations with Turkiye for a withdrawal from the race, Bowen withheld specifics but remained optimistic, suggesting that an agreeable outcome could be reached for both parties. He reiterated the significance of hosting the summit in the Pacific, highlighting that it would be a historic first for the region, emphasizing, “There’s never been a COP in the Pacific… You won’t get that in Turkiye, with all due respect.”
Bowen’s tour is not just about securing the summit; he is also prioritizing progress on bilateral energy partnerships, indicating that an upcoming major energy transition announcement will be made in Palau. He acknowledged that if consensus is not reached before COP30 in Belem this November, fallback options might include a default location in Germany or a vote. However, he assured that Australia remains committed to securing the bid, believing firmly that it will benefit the Pacific and the world.
To bolster this effort, Pacific leaders have shown strong support for Australia’s intentions, linking the success of COP31 to greater regional unity and investment in clean energy. This collaboration represents a hopeful narrative, as it aims to enhance climate action and reflects a mutual goal for a sustainable future.
The ongoing dialogue between Australia and Pacific nations illustrates the potential for impactful climate action and reinforces the crucial importance of international partnerships in addressing the pressing climate challenges faced by vulnerable island nations.
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