The government of Azerbaijan has named its Environment Minister, Mukhtar Babayev, as the president of the COP 29 climate talks set to take place in Baku in November.
The government of Azerbaijan has named its Environment Minister, Mukhtar Babayev, as the president of the COP 29 climate talks set to take place in Baku in November. The announcement underscores Azerbaijan’s commitment to addressing global climate challenges.
Babayev to Chair COP 29 Talks:
Mukhtar Babayev, with a background spanning 26 years at Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil and gas company Socar, will take the helm as the president of COP 29. His tenure at Socar involved efforts to mitigate the company’s environmental impact, showcasing a dedication to environmental concerns.
Lead Negotiator and COP28 Presidency:
While Babayev assumes the role of COP29 president, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev is appointed as the lead negotiator, as confirmed by the COP28 presidency. Rafiyev, a newcomer to climate diplomacy, brings extensive experience in the Azerbaijani diplomatic service.
Babayev’s Socar Stint and Environmental Advocacy:
Babayev’s journey includes a significant period at Socar, where he served as the vice-president of ecological affairs. During this time, he worked on reversing environmental damage caused by the company, hosting international conferences focused on rehabilitating contaminated soils.
Rafiyev’s Diplomatic Background:
Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev, having represented Azerbaijan at the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, brings a wealth of diplomatic experience. However, he is regarded as a relatively unknown figure in climate diplomacy.
Gender Disparity in COP Leadership:
Babayev, as COP29 president, continues a trend of male leadership, becoming the 24th man and the fourth in a row to chair the COP climate talks, highlighting a gender disparity in leadership roles.
Azerbaijan’s Unique COP29 Hosting:
Azerbaijan’s selection as the host for COP29 raised eyebrows due to its limited track record in UN climate diplomacy and its substantial reliance on oil and gas revenue. The country’s hosting choice was an unexpected turn in the COP rotation, securing the event after Russia’s veto prevented any EU member state from hosting COP29.
Challenges and Criticisms:
While Babayev is recognized for his efforts in mitigating environmental damage, some critics express concerns about his ability to advocate for a global phasing out of fossil fuels. Additionally, Rafiyev’s late appointment as lead negotiator raises questions about the team’s preparedness for the upcoming talks.
Azerbaijan’s Political Landscape:
Azerbaijan, ruled by President Ilham Aliyev for two decades, faces scrutiny for alleged political dissidents in prisons, restrictive laws affecting NGOs, media restrictions, and reported systemic torture of prisoners.
COP29: Unveiling Azerbaijan’s Commitment:
The announcement of Babayev and Rafiyev’s roles in COP29 signifies Azerbaijan’s commitment to addressing climate change on the global stage. As the international community anticipates the upcoming talks, the Azerbaijani presidency faces the challenge of establishing leadership, building trust, and contributing meaningfully to global climate efforts.