Australia and Türkiye have issued a joint COP31 Presidency letter. The letter sets out our shared priorities and approach in preparation for COP31 in Türkiye in 2026.
The letter provides a formal update to all UNFCCC Parties. It's a way to shape momentum and prepare countries for the decisions they will take together at COPs.
The letter highlights climate action as a pathway to:
- sustainable prosperity
- economic resilience
- long-term energy security.
The economics of the clean energy transition are clear. USD $2.3 trillion flowed into the clean energy last year, and markets are backing it. COP31 is a vital opportunity to further speed up this momentum. Particularly in the areas of clean energy, electrification, and resilient infrastructure.
This letter is also historic. For the first time in COP history, 2 countries and a region - Türkiye, Australia and the Pacific - are delivering COP31 and preparatory events.
Türkiye will host COP31 in Antalya and lead the Action Agenda, while Australia will lead the negotiations. Fiji and Tuvalu will host the Pre‑COP event and a special Leaders' meeting, with support from Australia. These events will be held on 5-8 October 2026.
The Pacific is central to this effort. Pacific island nations are on the frontline of the climate crisis. Its people are already experiencing its effects firsthand.
Australia's partnership with our Pacific neighbours will elevate Pacific priorities, and amplify the region's climate leadership, innovation and solutions.
Key themes from the letter
The letter shares Australia and Türkiye's shared vision for COP31 and commitment to international cooperation.
Türkiye's COP31 President Designate, Minister Murat Kurum, reaffirmed that COP31 will be an implementation COP. With a focus on turning climate change commitments into real progress. The letter highlights 6 priority areas under the Global Climate Action Agenda, including:
- electrification/energy transition
- zero waste/circular economy
- resilient cities/infrastructure
- sustainable agriculture/food systems
- green industrial transformation
- climate finance.
Australia's President of Negotiations for COP31, Minister Chris Bowen, emphasised a commitment to an inclusive and transparent negotiation process.
He also announced key leadership appointments, including 3 Pacific Climate Envoys representing the:
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Papua New Guinea
- Fiji.
This strengthens our partnership with Pacific nations as they prepare to host major Pre‑COP events.
Together, both Ministers committed to building on COP30's outcomes, placing implementation at the centre of COP31's agenda, and keeping the 1.5°C temperature goal within reach.
As the letter states, "A sustainable, prosperous, decarbonized future is possible." COP31 represents a major opportunity to turn that vision into action.
