Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy met with Türkiye's Minister for Climate Change and the UN's climate chief this week to start planning for COP31.
Australia and Türkiye are working in lockstep to deliver COP31 and the Pacific Pre-COP. This was the first official meeting between Türkiye, Australia and the UNFCCC. Former COP presidents from Brazil and Azerbaijan as well as DCCEEW officials also joined in Istanbul.
Every year, the Conference of the Parties (COP) brings countries together to tackle climate change. Nations that are party to the UNFCCC meet to check progress and push for stronger action.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is President of Negotiations for COP31. He joined the meetings via video conference.
"Working together, Australia, the Pacific and Türkiye will deliver real progress for global climate action through COP31 in Türkiye and Pre-COP in the Pacific," Minister Bowen said.
Türkiye's Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum is the COP President-Designate. He described our partnership as one of the most important pillars of the COP31 process.
"As Türkiye and Australia, we will work with a leadership approach that is clear about responsibilities and based on consultation."
UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Steil said that now is the time to set a clear and ambitious path for COP31 and beyond.
"The UN is with Türkiye and Australia every step of the way, to make sure COP31 in Antalya delivers, for people, prosperity and planet."
Global climate action in line with the Paris Agreement is making a real difference.
Countries have lowered projected warming from 4°C to 2.5°C under current pledges. COP31 is a chance to accelerate global decarbonisation efforts to keep 1.5°C within reach and grow the global clean energy economy.
