Key Impact Points:
- A secret recording shows Elnur Soltanov, chief executive of Azerbaijan’s COP29 team, discussing fossil fuel investment opportunities with a fictitious investor.
- Soltanov’s actions, seen as “contrary and egregious” to COP standards, have been criticized as a “betrayal” by a former UN climate official.
- The revelations follow similar allegations from COP28, raising concerns about the impartiality and integrity of the climate summit process.
COP29 Leader Faces Allegations
A senior official at COP29, Elnur Soltanov, has been caught in a controversial situation after being filmed discussing potential fossil fuel investments while promoting the upcoming climate summit. Soltanov, who is also Azerbaijan’s deputy energy minister and sits on the board of state energy firm Socar, appeared in a secret recording arranged by the human rights organization Global Witness.
Recorded Conversations Reveal Potential Deals
In the recording, Soltanov mentions Azerbaijan’s extensive gas fields and potential joint ventures, stating, “We have a lot of gas fields that are to be developed.” He highlighted investment opportunities related to Socar’s projects and spoke of natural gas as a “transitional fuel,” admitting, “We will have a certain amount of oil and natural gas being produced, perhaps forever.”
Change the World - Subscribe Now
COP29 Standards and UN Reaction
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) sets strict standards for COP officials, emphasizing impartiality and a commitment to the climate mission. The UN remarked that “the same rigorous standards” apply to all hosts but did not comment directly on the findings.
Christiana Figueres, former head of the UN climate body, expressed strong disapproval: “It is contrary and egregious to the purpose of COP… a treason to the process.”
Sponsorship Discussions Raise Eyebrows
Emails viewed by the BBC showed discussions between the COP29 team and the fake investment company, including a potential $600,000 sponsorship deal tied to the introduction to Socar and involvement in a COP29 event. Draft contracts included sustainability commitments, some of which were later modified or dropped.
This incident marks the second consecutive year of similar allegations, following leaked documents from COP28, where the UAE allegedly sought oil and gas deals during its hosting. COP29, set to begin in Baku, faces scrutiny as the world watches for transparency and genuine climate commitments.
Related Article: COP29: Environment Takes Centre Stage
