GECF and OPEC discuss joint steps to combat climate change at COP29

The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) held their third coordination meeting on November 19, 2024, during the COP29 in Baku. Report informs that meeting focused on the importance of collaboration between the two organizations in addressing climate change challenges.

According to a GECF statement, the meeting highlighted the significance of cooperation between the two organizations in tackling issues related to climate change and energy security.

GECF Secretary General Mohamed Hamel emphasized that GECF and OPEC are like-minded intergovernmental organizations, and it is crucial to provide their members with a platform to exchange views and experiences on the most important aspects of the COP29 negotiations.

OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais confirmed the importance of collaboration between the two organizations, stating that these meetings allow for coordinating joint actions and increasing efficiency.

Participants recognized the need to promote key issues within the Paris Climate Agreement, particularly relevant to developing countries, including climate finance, mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, a fair, realistic, and equitable energy transition, technology transfer, and capacity building.

The delegations stressed the necessity of achieving a fair, inclusive, realistic, and balanced outcome at COP29 that addresses climate change while ensuring sustainable development, energy security, and affordability.

The parties agreed to strengthen ties between GECF and OPEC, including at the technical level, to address the complex issues related to energy, climate, and development.