High Integrity Talks: How COP31 Presidency can set a new standard for climate leadership

This policy paper argues that the success and credibility of COP31 will depend not only on the ambition of climate negotiations, but on the integrity of the Presidency itself. As co-hosts, Türkiye and Australia have a unique opportunity to set a new standard for transparent, accountable and inclusive climate leadership by embedding robust integrity safeguards into every stage of COP31 planning and delivery.

Drawing on lessons from recent COPs, the paper highlights how weaknesses in access, contracting, conflicts of interest and undue industry influence can erode trust and undermine outcomes. It calls on the COP31 Presidency to adopt voluntary measures such as public declarations of interests, transparent procurement and contracting, an open lobbying register, and independent ethics oversight to prevent conflicts of interest and corporate capture. By publicly committing to these steps, Türkiye and Australia can strengthen international trust, protect the legitimacy of the negotiations, and establish a lasting precedent for integrity in global climate governance.