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It is now very likely Australia will be announced as host of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2026 alongside Pacific nations. If Australia is successful, it will be the largest diplomatic summit the nation has ever held, with satellite events in the Pacific.

Hosting COP31 presents Australia with a significant opportunity to demonstrate its leadership in climate action. How? The talks provide a platform to showcase Australia’s accelerating energy transition and emerging role as a supplier of goods and technology. They are also an opportunity to celebrate the climate leadership of Pacific island nations.

The university sector plays an important role in preparing Australian and Pacific governments to deliver a successful UN climate conference. A COP31 Universities Alliance was established in May 2024 as a collaborative partnership between leading Australian and Pacific universities to coordinate the efforts and contribution of the Australia-Pacific higher education and research sector towards COP31.

If Australia succeeds in its bid to host COP31 in partnership with Pacific island nations, it will mark one of the most significant and largest diplomatic events ever held in the country. And as host and president of COP31, Australia’s first responsibility would be to ensure a successful conference that reinforces global commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement.

With the official announcement regarding the host of COP31 expected during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024, a new briefing note co-authored by the UNSW Institute for Climate Risk & Response and the COP31 Universities Alliance explains everything you need to know.

Download the COP31 Briefing Note below.

For more information about the briefing paper and the COP31 Universities Alliance, please contact: icrr@unsw.edu.au