Sultan Al Jaber denies derogatory allegations against the UAE
Sultan Al Jaber announced that he 'has agreed to step down' amid accusations of conflicting interests
Despite the significant efforts made by the United Arab Emirates at COP28 to achieve the highest climate aspirations, some entities seek to undermine the country’s initiatives.
The appointed President of the Conference of the Parties on Climate, Sultan Al Jaber, denied the report stating that the UAE is ‘seeking to make more oil and gas deals during the climate summit (COP28),’ which kicks off on Thursday.
In a press statement quoted by the Associated Press, he announced that he ‘has agreed to step down’ from the presidency of ADNOC, amid allegations of conflicting interests. Regarding the report published by the British BBC network, Al Jaber said in a press statement, ‘These claims are false, not true, and inaccurate.’
He added, ‘I have never seen such points they referred to, and I have never used them in my discussions. Please respect who we are and what we have achieved over the years, and respect the fact that we are clear, honest, and transparent about how to conduct the Conference of the Parties.’
Al Jaber continued, saying that the British network’s report is an ‘attempt to undermine the work of COP28‘s presidency.’
Following his statements, Al Jaber issued a press release, quoted by the Associated Press, stating that he ‘has agreed to step down from his position as CEO of ADNOC after discussions with representatives of the United Nations and others.’
Dubai continued its preparations to host the COP28 climate conference, despite announcements by several world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, that they would not be able to participate in the negotiations during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East.
Controversy arose earlier regarding Al Jaber‘s selection as the president of the Conference of the Parties on Climate, as he also heads the giant oil company ADNOC.
Al Jaber said in statements to Agence France-Presse last July, ‘People accusing me of conflicting interests do not know my career… I have spent most of my professional career in sustainable development, project management, and renewable energy.’
The twenty-eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is scheduled to take place in Dubai, UAE, from November 30 to December 12.
