COP29 chief executive filmed promoting of fossil fuel deals
The chief executive of COP29, Elnur Soltanov, has allegedly used his position to discuss potential fossil fuel investments, raising concerns about conflicts of interest at the annual United Nations climate summit.
A secret recording obtained by the BBC shows Soltanov, also Azerbaijan’s Deputy Energy Minister and a board member of the state oil company Socar, speaking to a person posing as an investor about “investment opportunities” in Azerbaijan’s oil and gas sector.
The recording reveals Soltanov mentioning Azerbaijan’s undeveloped gas fields, stating, “We have a lot of gas fields that are to be developed.” His remarks have drawn criticism from former UN climate officials, with one describing his actions as “completely unacceptable” and a “betrayal” of the COP process.
Baku is hosting COP29, where world leaders will discuss strategies to address climate change and reduce fossil fuel dependence. However, this marks the second consecutive year that the BBC has uncovered alleged misconduct by a host government, with last year’s COP28 in the UAE similarly criticized for apparent conflicts over fossil fuel interests.
The BBC obtained documents and recordings made by the human rights group Global Witness, revealing how a representative from the group, posing as the head of a fictitious Hong Kong investment firm, arranged a meeting with Soltanov to discuss potential investments in Socar.
During the conversation, Soltanov affirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to “transitioning away from hydrocarbons,” while also expressing openness to discuss new oil and gas ventures, including expanding pipeline infrastructure.
“There are a lot of joint ventures that could be established,” Soltanov said, highlighting Socar’s extensive trade in oil and gas globally, including in Asia. He described natural gas as a “transitional fuel,” adding, “We will have a certain amount of oil and natural gas being produced, perhaps forever.”
The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has previously noted a role for some oil and gas until 2050, but also states that new developments are incompatible with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Soltanov’s comments appear to contradict the goals set at last year’s climate summit to reduce fossil fuel use.
During the discussion, Soltanov appeared willing to facilitate connections between Socar and the potential investors, stating, “I would be happy to create a contact between your team and their team so they can start discussions.” Following the meeting, the fictitious firm received an email from Socar expressing interest in follow-up discussions.
Attempting to broker business deals during COP-related activities could violate UN standards for COP officials, who are expected to act impartially and uphold the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The UN stated that all hosts are held to the same “rigorous standards,” emphasizing the importance of impartiality among presiding officers.
Christiana Figueres, former UN climate chief who helped broker the 2015 Paris Agreement, expressed dismay, calling any pursuit of fossil fuel deals within the COP framework “a betrayal of the COP process” and “contrary and egregious” to its mission.
Emails reviewed by the BBC further suggest discussions about a $600,000 sponsorship deal that included Socar introductions and access to COP29 events focused on “sustainable oil and gas investing.” The proposed contract initially required the company to demonstrate sustainability commitments, though certain terms were later relaxed.
Neither Azerbaijan’s COP29 team nor Socar has responded to the BBC’s requests for comment. The revelations come amid global scrutiny over fossil fuel interests at climate summits, highlighting concerns about potential conflicts of interest in COP leadership.
Credit: BBC
