The president of the upcoming COP28 in Dubai, Mohammed Al Jaber, faces accusations that the UAE planned to exploit COP meetings to reach agreements for its own benefit.
Muhammad Al-JaberHe is also the head of the UAE’s oil giant, ADNOC, and according to leaked documents, his team has been preparing for meetings with at least 27 foreign governments ahead of the United Nations climate change conference summit, COP 28, which starts on Thursday.
Documents included “Talking points” proposed, such as that of China which states that ADNOC is “Ready to jointly evaluate international LNG opportunities [gas natural licuado]” In Mozambique, Canada and Australia.
Former President of the Republic of Ireland, Mary RobinsonHe expressed concern about what appeared to be private agreements on the sidelines of the conference: “It’s very worrying because perceptions matter and there was already a perception that the presidency was a little bit at risk and that could make the situation more difficult… We don’t have time for a bad COP.” It is possible to make progress at this COP because we are running out of time.
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio GuterresHe stressed the urgency and need not to undermine the climate conference:“Leaders must act to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees, protect people from climate chaos, and end the age of fossil fuels.”
The Dubai COP team rejected and emphasized any suggestion of a conflict of interest “Dr. Sultan Al Jaber is uniquely focused on the work of the Conference of the Parties and achieving ambitious and transformative climate outcomes.”
Additional resources • Enrique Barueco (voice-over)
