U.S. to Begin Paying UN Dues as Financial Crisis Spurs Push for Reforms 
Missouri Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Starbucks’ Diversity and Inclusion Policies 
TrumpRx Website Launches to Offer Discounted Prescription Drugs for Cash-Paying Americans 
Federal Judge Restores Funding for Gateway Rail Tunnel Project 
Trump Says “Very Good Talks” Underway on Russia-Ukraine War as Peace Efforts Continue 
Trump Rejects Putin’s New START Extension Offer, Raising Fears of a New Nuclear Arms Race 
Marco Rubio Steps Down as Acting U.S. Archivist Amid Federal Law Limits 
Iran–U.S. Nuclear Talks in Oman Face Major Hurdles Amid Rising Regional Tensions 
Newly Released DOJ Epstein Files Expose High-Profile Connections Across Politics and Business 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
U.S. Lawmakers to Review Unredacted Jeffrey Epstein DOJ Files Starting Monday 
New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Trump Signs “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to Prioritize U.S. Weapons Sales 
U.S. Sanctions on Russia Could Expand as Ukraine Peace Talks Continue, Says Treasury Secretary Bessent 
NATO to Discuss Strengthening Greenland Security Amid Arctic Tensions 
UAE Plans Temporary Housing Complex for Displaced Palestinians in Southern Gaza 
Turkey is set to host next year’s UN climate summit, COP31, while Australia will take charge of leading negotiations under a compromise agreement emerging from talks in Brazil. The deal, confirmed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, ends a long-running standoff between the two nations, both of which had submitted bids in 2022 and refused to withdraw.
Albanese described the arrangement as a significant win for both sides, noting that Turkey will preside over the summit in Antalya, while Australia will oversee the critical negotiation process. This includes managing discussions, appointing co-facilitators, shaping draft text, and issuing the summit’s final “cover decision.” A pre-COP event is also expected to take place in the Pacific, aligning with Australia’s initial vision of a “Pacific COP” focused on the climate vulnerabilities of small island nations.
Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen emphasized that the compromise achieves key goals, even if it falls short of full hosting rights. He acknowledged that organizing a COP summit, which brings together tens of thousands of attendees and requires extensive diplomatic coordination, is a massive undertaking. Sharing responsibilities, he said, is practical and strategic.
Experts also view the deal positively. David Dutton of the Lowy Institute, formerly Australia’s assistant secretary of climate diplomacy, said it reduces the logistical burden on Australia while preserving meaningful opportunities to highlight Pacific climate concerns. Australia has already spent A$7 million preparing its bid, confident in strong international support.
Turkey, positioning itself as an emerging economy, plans to use COP31 to emphasize global solidarity between developed and developing nations. While Ankara has not yet commented on the arrangement, the summit is expected to spotlight broader climate challenges beyond regional priorities.
The compromise—first reported by Bloomberg—helps both countries move forward quickly, with just a year remaining to prepare for COP31 and shape global climate policy in a pivotal period.
