Statement by Phyllis Cuttino on COP 31 Host and Presidency 

The unprecedented and complex agreement between Australia, Türkiye, and Pacific Island nations to manage the next COP puts the spotlight on climate leadership at COP 31 like never before.   

After a COP 30 swarming with fossil lobbyists, all involved nations must lead by example and commit to limiting industry influence on negotiations and keeping fossil fuel interests well away from the Presidency and their country delegations.   

The honor of hosting and overseeing negotiations should also spur Türkiye and Australia to finally strengthen their inadequate national climate plans and accelerate their transitions away from climate-changing fossil fuels.  

Leadership will also mean supporting reforms in COP decision making processes that petrostates have used to hold back progress, ensuring meaningful participation for those most affected by the climate crisis, and centering science in negotiations. 

We are deeply disappointed that this arrangement does not give Pacific Island nations the leadership role they deserve. For years, these nations living on the frontlines of climate change have shown the world what climate leadership means, propelling key victories from the Paris Agreement to the recent International Court of Justice advisory decision. While hosting a pre-COP gives Pacific voices a long-overdue platform, both Australia and Türkiye must ensure these nations play a key role in shaping and leading discussions throughout COP 31. 

Real leadership at COP 31 will be critical. COP 30 in Brazil saw a step forward, with incredible momentum for a roadmap for finally transitioning the world away from fossil fuels. But work remains to turn this roadmap into reality and promise into progress. Australia, Türkiye, and Pacific Island nations must seize the opportunity.