# High Integrity Talks: How COP31 Presidency can set a new standard for climate leadership URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/high-integrity-talks Type: Publication or report Published: 2026-05-11 Updated: 2026-05-11 --- 11 May 2026 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. ### Related publications ## [Protecting civic space in extractives governance: Towards enhanced EITI engagement on civic space](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/protecting-civic-space-in-extractives-governance) Publication • 05 October 2026 This brief evaluates the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative's (EITI) existing approach to addressing civic space challenges arising in EITI implementing countries and… ## [Ending Debt Secrecy: Recommendations to the G20 on Anti-Corruption in Sovereign Borrowing and Lending](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/ending-debt-secrecy-g20-recommendations) Publication • 04 September 2026 Recommendations to the G20 to strengthen transparency, accountability and integrity in sovereign borrowing and lending ## [Getting Political Finance Right: Preventing corruption with UNCAC CoSP Resolution 11/7](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/getting-political-finance-right) Publication • 15 May 2026 Resolution 11/7 is the world’s furthest-reaching consensus yet on preventing and combating corruption enabled by money in elections and politics. ## [Whistleblower protection in EU enlargement countries - Towards EU standards and best practice](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblower-protection-in-eu-enlargement-countries) Publication • 16 April 2026 Whistleblower protections in EU candidate countries lag behind EU standards, with legal gaps and weak systems undermining accountability. ## Countries - [Türkiye](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/t%C3%BCrkiye) - [Australia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/australia) ## Regions - [Global](https://www.transparency.org/en/region/global) ## Projects - [Climate Governance Integrity Programme](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/climate-governance-integrity-programme) ![Policy paper COP Presidency](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Policy-paper-COP31.png?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2026_High-Integrity-Talks_Policy-Paper.pdf)