Turkey has proposed sharing the presidency of next year’s UN climate summit COP31 with Australia in a bid to resolve the ongoing hosting standoff, though an agreement has yet to be reached, Turkish diplomatic sources told Reuters.

Both Turkey and Australia submitted bids to host COP31 in 2025, but neither has withdrawn, creating a prolonged deadlock that must be settled during COP30, currently underway in Belem, Brazil.

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the world’s key forum for advancing international climate policy. The host country plays a crucial role in setting the agenda and leading negotiations toward global agreements.

Talks between Turkish and Australian officials on the margins of the UN General Assembly in September explored the possibility of a joint presidency COP31 model, Turkish sources told Reuters. This would involve sharing responsibilities for high-level meetings and co-leading the summit’s diplomatic efforts.

The discussions laid “a basis of mutual understanding,” according to the sources to Reuters, but failed to make progress due to disagreements over how a shared presidency would function under UN rules.

Read more: US out, China in: Beijing fills in climate leadership at Brazil COP30

Joint presidency model discussed at UNGA

Australia has indicated strong momentum behind its bid. Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen arrived in Brazil on Saturday for COP30, stating that a decision on the host would be made there and that Canberra had “overwhelming support” for its candidacy.

Australia’s proposal includes co-hosting with Pacific island nations, emphasizing the severe climate threats those nations face. The Pacific Islands Forum has endorsed the Australian-led bid.

Pacific support for Australia, Turkey eyes inclusivity and finance

Turkey, meanwhile, argues that its bid prioritizes inclusivity and climate finance, particularly for developing countries. It also aims to highlight its long-term strategy to reach net-zero emissions by 2053.

Turkish sources told Reuters that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has outlined these priorities in recent communications with the Australian Prime Minister. Turkey believes “flexible formulas” could still be developed to resolve the impasse through continued consultation.

Despite supporting a joint format, the sources said Turkey remains ready to host COP31 alone and assume full presidential responsibility if consensus cannot be reached.

The COP31 host for 2025 must be selected by unanimous agreement from the 28 countries in the “Western Europe and Others Group,” a regional bloc that includes both Australia and Turkey.

As the clock ticks down during COP30, delegates are under pressure to resolve the dispute and ensure preparations for the next summit can move forward without further delay.