Transparency International and ACDC Reveal Urgent Risks of Corruption and Fossil Fuel Influence at COP 29 Climate Summit in Azerbaijan

October 31, 2024 — Transparency International and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective (ACDC) have released a groundbreaking report; COP Co-Opted? How Corruption and Undue Influence Threaten Multilateral Climate Action, exposing significant risks to the integrity of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) due to undue corporate influence, especially from fossil fuel interests. As COP 29 approaches in November 2024, the report raises alarm over Azerbaijan’s selection as the host country given its substantial fossil fuel sector and high public-sector corruption. Despite its stated commitments to climate goals, Azerbaijan’s close ties between the government and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) reveal signs of corruption and risks that could distort the climate agenda such as :

1. Corporate Influence and Fossil Fuel Lobbying : SOCAR’s deep involvement in COP 29’s organization has drawn concern, with multiple senior executives from SOCAR in planning roles for the conference. The report highlights that fossil fuel companies can often sponsor or embed representatives within national delegations, gaining privileged access to negotiations.

2. The use of COPs as a platform for fossil fuel diplomacy and deal-making : COP lacks protections against corporate influence, allowing SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s state oil company, to take major roles in COP 29 planning. SOCAR executives are using COP meetings to pursue new fossil fuel deals, following a pattern seen in COP 28 with UAE’s oil company.

3. Lack of Governance Standards Allows Autocratic Influence at COP 29 : Without rules requiring good governance, autocratic and corrupt governments can host UN climate conferences. For COP 29, several official partners have ties to Azerbaijan’s ruling family, giving them a platform to boost their green image. Azerbaijan also awarded a high-cost, no-bid contract for guest accommodations to a business linked to the president's family, raising costs and limiting access for lower-funded groups.

4. Greenwashing and Suppression of Civil Society : Azerbaijan’s heavy state control over media and civil society raises concerns that dissenting voices may be silenced. A $5 million COP 29 public relations campaign aims to promote Azerbaijan’s “green” energy projects, many of which critics describe as environmentally questionable.

As stated in the report, “When all this happens in a vacuum of independent, local oversight, the potential for corrupt activity and undue corporate influence increases.” In account of these risks, Transparency International and ACDC therefore recommends improved transparency on corporate sponsorships, stricter guidelines for conflict-of-interest disclosure, and a more stringent host selection process to avoid countries where fossil fuel industries and government interests are deeply intertwined. The report urges the UNFCCC to establish ethical standards that hold COP hosts accountable to the Paris Agreement’s goals, particularly in fossil fuel-dependent nations. As COP 29 in Baku approaches, Transparency International and ACDC call on the global climate community, including governments, civil society organizations, and climate activists, to remain vigilant against attempts to exploit COP for private gain. Addressing these risks is essential for fostering trust and advancing genuine progress towards global climate goals.