Adelaide will formally bid to host COP31 climate conference in 2026

South Australia will bid to host one of the largest global events in 2026, with an estimated economic benefit of $500m.

South Australia will bid to host the COP31 climate change conference in 2026 – a global event that would attract more than 30,000 visitors and generate an economic benefit upwards of $500m.

State government analysis has confirmed Adelaide has the capacity and capability to hold the annual conference, and a bid will be formally submitted to the federal government.

The COP summit – Conference of Parties – is a meeting of 197 nations and is the ultimate climate change decision-making body of the United Nations.

It is attended by heads of state as well as A-listers from a range of fields, with past conferences having been attended by King Charles, Prince William and Princess Catherine, Greta Thunberg and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Leonardo DiCaprio has attended past COP conferences. Picture: AFP PHOTO/Jose Luis Magana

If South Australia’s bid was successful, the event would be staged at the Convention Centre in November 2026, with the wider centre precinct forming the necessary secure zone and public event area.

A feasibility analysis commissioned by the government confirmed Adelaide would be able to successfully host the talks. It found the city has enough accommodation on offer for all visiting delegates, and could offer a safe and secure experience at the event for all attendees.

It also found that hosting the event would deliver a potential benefit of $511.6m to the state, which includes economic activity generated by tourism, trade and investment.

The figure also includes the benefit the event would bring to the brands of Adelaide and South Australia.

Preparation work completed to date has included detailed assessment of the security of host venues, accommodation and transport services.

Australia – which is bidding to co-host the event in partnership with the Pacific – has not officially been announced as the host of COP31 but is thought to be in the box-seat over Turkey.

A decision could be made as soon as November.

Then it will be up to the federal government to decide which city will host the event, with Brisbane and Sydney having also expressed interest.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the conference would attract tens of thousands of people and hundreds of millions of dollars to SA, and would provide an opportunity to market the state to investors across the world.

“South Australia is already a world leader in renewable energy and decarbonisation and hosting COP31 would firmly put our state on the global map,” he said.

“We are a state which recognises the challenge of climate change, but we haven’t waited for others to lead, we have chosen to take world-leading action.

“This makes us the natural and logical choice to host COP31 in 2026.”

Greta Thunberg. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Deputy Premier Susan Close said the time for action on climate change was now.

“It is incumbent upon us all to support businesses and the community to adapt and reduce emissions,” she said.

“South Australia was the first Australian state to declare a climate emergency which commits us to restoring a safe climate by transforming our economy into a strong net zero emissions one.

“COP31 will allow South Australia to demonstrate to the world how we are addressing climate change through our continued leadership in renewable energy technology, which is now driving the state towards net zero emissions.”

Last year, the SA Business Chamber suggested the state government should conduct a feasibility study into the prospect of hosting COP.

“Our leadership in renewables and track record in running flagship global events, sees us well placed to make a compelling bid,” chief executive Andrew Kay said. “Hosting the COP would … boost the economy and further cement our credentials as a world leader in renewable energy, enhancing Adelaide and South Australia’s global image.”

Originally published as Adelaide will formally bid to host COP31 climate conference in 2026