COP29 leader criticized for discussing fossil fuel deals in secret meeting

In a secret recording, the head of COP29’s Azerbaijani team, Elnur Soltanov, appears to promote fossil fuel deals in exchange for sponsorship, raising ethical concerns about the impartiality of climate negotiations.

Justin Rowlatt reports for BBC.

In short:

• Elnur Soltanov, COP29 chief and Azerbaijan's deputy energy minister, allegedly discussed investment opportunities in Azerbaijan’s oil and gas sector with a fake investor posing as a potential conference sponsor.
• Soltanov reportedly suggested involvement in Socar, Azerbaijan’s state oil and gas firm, offering joint ventures and emphasizing natural gas as a "transitional fuel."
• Former UN climate leaders condemned this behavior, calling it a betrayal of COP's mission to curb fossil fuels.

Key quote:

"We have a lot of gas fields that are to be developed."

— Elnur Soltanov, chief executive of Azerbaijan's COP29 team

Why this matters:

COP conferences aim to reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. Allegations that officials use their roles to promote oil and gas interests threaten public trust and may undermine the conference's core mission to combat climate change.

Read more: Azerbaijan seeks contributions from fossil fuel producers for new climate fund