Former UN officials have asserted that UN climate discussions are “no longer suitable for their intended purpose” and should exclusively be organized by nations that are committed to reducing fossil fuel reliance.
An open letter directed to the United Nations, endorsed by ex-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, brings forth critical remarks aimed at the 29th COP climate summit, currently taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Growing irritation with fossil fuel-dominated host nations—especially after last year’s summit in the UAE—has been compounded by the pervasive presence of fossil fuel lobbyists, exorbitant costs, and sluggish advancements in recent years.
The letter recognizes the progress achieved by COPs in enhancing climate initiatives.
“However, it has become evident that the COP is no longer adequate,” the letter argues.
“Its existing framework is incapable of delivering the necessary changes at the exponential pace and scale that are vital for securing a safe climate future for humanity.”
The letter boasts 22 signatories, which include notable figures such as former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and Christiana Figueres, the previous head of the UN climate organization (UNFCCC) responsible for overseeing the annual COP gatherings.
It urged for a more efficient process and insisted that nations be held accountable for their commitments.
Analysis by Sky News indicates that minimal progress has been achieved since the “historic” commitment from COP28 to pivot away from fossil fuels.
Pic: AP Photo/Peter Dejong
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The letter also advocated for the establishment of “strict criteria for eligibility” concerning host nations to disqualify those “who do not promote the phase-out or shift away from fossil fuel energy.”
The current host nation, Azerbaijan, a petrostate, has been mired in controversy.
Its authoritarian leader, President Ilham Aliyev, utilized his inaugural address to denounce Western double standards and to laud oil and gas as a “blessing” from God. His remarks against France, a country with historically tense relations, prompted the French minister to cancel a planned visit to the summit.
Although the government and its COP team operate separately, host nations are expected to mediate disputes and facilitate consensus among the nearly 200 participating countries.
Presidencies of the COP are actively positioning themselves as climate leaders, bringing scrutiny to their own nations.
Azerbaijan is a small developing nation heavily dependent on oil and gas revenue. However, it has made little progress towards expanding clean energy sources, generating a mere 1.5% of its energy from renewable sources, while also leading a severe crackdown on dissent leading up to the COP.
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Azerbaijan team is ‘optimistic’ regarding the discussions
In a Sky News interview on Sunday, the lead negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev struggled to clarify whether Azerbaijan preferred to extract its complete oil and gas reserves or pursue an alternative, greener economic model – a transition that would be challenging.
During a news briefing yesterday, Mr. Rafiyev stated the president had been “extremely clear” regarding intentions.
and he opted not to provide further remarks.
“Our doors are open to everyone,” he continued.
Several diplomats present have suggested that the team overseeing Azerbaijan’s presidency has good intentions but may be slightly outmatched. They have not previously taken a leading role at earlier COP events, and they had just a year to prepare for this significant summit.
“I perceive that they are somewhat unprepared, a bit overwhelmed, and perhaps lacking in several aspects,” commented one diplomat, preferring to remain anonymous, as is customary for those wishing to preserve diplomatic ties.
“However, I’m uncertain if this is a matter of politics. It might simply be a question of capacity and preparation and similar factors.”
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Hosting responsibilities for the COP rotate among various global regions. This year, it fell to Eastern Europe; however, the selection process was prolonged due to the ongoing tensions related to Russia’s conflict in Ukraine and the disputes between Azerbaijan and its rival Armenia.
Achim Steiner of the UN Development Programme expressed concern, deeming it “worrisome” that certain nations are scrutinized regarding their hosting capabilities.
“Are there nations that are inherently better hosts and others that are not?” he inquired.
“Within the United Nations, we adhere to the principle that each country should have the right to express its voice.”
“Using labels may not always be the most just approach to characterizing a country. Historically, some of the largest oil producers have successfully hosted this COP before, and this appeared to be an entirely acceptable scenario.”
COP is short for “conference of the parties,” which pertains to nations (“parties”) that have ratified the foundational climate treaty.
Requests for comment have been directed to both Azerbaijan’s COP29 delegation and the UN climate organization.
