Melbourne, AUSTRALIA – 20 November 2025 – The Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) has welcomed the announcement that a final agreement is imminent on the hosting arrangements for COP31 in 2026.
CEO of the EEC, Luke Menzel, who is on the ground in Belém, Brazil for COP30, said that while it is disappointing COP31 won’t be hosted in Adelaide, Australia securing the right to lead the negotiations within this crucial decade for global action is a win on the substance.
“This is a positive outcome, given the challenges of two committed and competing bids and a UN rule requiring a consensus position on hosting rights,” Mr Menzel said.
Mr. Menzel said that the deal means Australia will be taking on a leadership role at a moment when the world is grappling with how to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
“This is a compromise, for sure, but it is a compromise that enables Australia and the Pacific to take a leadership role in maintaining global momentum.”
“Australia has demonstrated a deep commitment to shining a spotlight on the major risks faced by our Pacific island neighbours, and accelerating implementation of global goals on emissions reduction and adaptation.
“In these negotiations Australia didn’t get everything it wanted, but it got the most important thing; as President for Negotiations we will have a platform to rally the world around efforts to maintain a safe climate.”
ENDS
Note to Editor: Luke Menzel, CEO of Energy Efficiency Council is available for interviews on request.
For media information, please contact:
Coralie Redden / Gabriel Wong
Positive Good for Energy Efficiency Council
Mobile: 0413 163 099 / 0432 177 005
Email: coralie@positivegood.com.au / gabriel@positivegood.com.au
About Energy Efficiency Council
The EEC is a not-for-profit membership association for businesses, universities, governments and NGOs. The EEC works to build sophisticated markets for energy management products and services that deliver a prosperous, net zero Australia with:
Affordable, reliable energy;
Healthy, comfortable buildings; and
Productive, competitive businesses.
We work with our members, governments and other experts to accelerate the deployment of efficient, electric and flexible products and services.
We deliver practical change by building the evidence base, making the case, informing policy, supporting skill and literacy, and shaping market outcomes.
Learn more at eec.org.au.
