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Governments at UN convention summit must improve political finance rules – Transparency International

Berlin — As governments gather in Doha for the 11th Conference of the States Parties (CoSP11) to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), Transparency International is calling on them to prove that global anti-corruption standards still matter – starting by backing a first-ever resolution on political finance.

Twenty years after UNCAC entered into force – the only global anti-corruption treaty, now ratified by 191 countries – Transparency International is warning that its requirement for transparency about the funding of candidates and political parties is unevenly implemented, leaving serious gaps that continue to undermine the integrity of political systems across the world.

Political finance – the money used to run election campaigns and support parties – is still weakly regulated in many countries, with loopholes, lax rules, and poor enforcement allowing private, and sometimes foreign, interests to influence elections and policy without public scrutiny.

CoSP11 offers a chance to correct course. Norway, Albania, Ghana and Mongolia have proposed the first resolution in UNCAC’s history focused solely on political finance – a rare opportunity to set a global benchmark and strengthen standards. A CoSP resolution is a formal decision by governments that guides how the convention is implemented.

François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International, said:

“Around the world, people are losing trust in the integrity of political systems because unknown interests are able to use their wealth and influence to buy access to power and shape political decisions from the shadows.

“We’re calling on governments at the UN anti-corruption convention conference to approve a strong, first-ever resolution on political finance. This would help make democratic processes more accountable to citizens by setting clear expectations to guide countries on making money in politics visible and limiting undue influence.”

Last week (11 December), Transparency International alongside 158 other civil society organisations wrote to all government delegates attending CoSP11, urging them to adopt a strong resolution. Their letter reflects broad civil society support for higher standards in political finance and a clear demand for governments to act.

Transparency International is also calling on governments at CoSP11 to tackle the corruption driving environmental crime and climate harm. We welcome the decision to dedicate a full day of the conference to the environment and climate – recognising corruption as a central driver of widespread issues such a deforestation, illegal mining, pollution and the misuse of climate funds. A new resolution on crimes that affect the environment – tabled by Brazil and Namibia - alongside a complementary initiative from Small Island Developing States on climate – is an opportunity to act decisively.

Transparency International is calling on countries to adopt robust, forward-looking resolutions that strengthen enforcement and openly acknowledge the role of corruption in environmental destruction and the climate crisis.

Spokespeople are available. For interviews or more information please contact [email protected]

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