The United Arab Emirates (UAE) intended to capitalize on its role as the host of the UN climate talks, COP28, for oil and gas deals, according to leaked briefing documents.
Plans included discussing fossil fuel deals with 15 nations, and talking points were prepared for its renewable energy company, Masdar, before meetings with 20 countries.
The UAE did not deny using COP28 for business talks but emphasized the private nature of the meetings. The leaked documents also revealed commercial objectives, such as securing support for oil and gas ventures and LNG supplies.
The COP28 team denies instructing staff to include business talking points in briefing notes. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) emphasized the expectation of impartiality and avoidance of self-interest by COP presidents, raising concerns about potential breaches of conduct standards. While some nations deny discussing commercial activities during meetings, questions about the impact on trust and climate progress in Dubai persist.
