"Ex-Oil Executive Mukhtar Babayev Appointed to Spearhead COP29 Climate Summit"

Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan's ecology and natural resources minister and former oil executive, has been appointed to lead the 2024 U.N. climate talks, raising concerns among climate activists due to his past association with the state oil company. Despite Azerbaijan's heavy reliance on oil and gas revenues, there is cautious optimism recalling the unexpected positive outcomes from the previous COP28 in Dubai. The upcoming conference in Azerbaijan will focus on critical issues such as climate change adaptation and mitigation financing, with the international community watching for a fair and ambitious facilitation by the host country.