The Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), HE Haitham Al Ghais, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) climate summits, arguing that they often fail to achieve meaningful progress.
Speaking ahead of the next climate summit, he called for a reevaluation of the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which originally guided global climate negotiations.
HE Al Ghais criticized the current structure of COP meetings, suggesting that they have become “more about ‘win or lose’ moments for some Parties, rather than ‘win-win’ ones.”
He stressed that discussions should remain focused on realistic and equitable energy transitions that consider the needs of all nations, particularly developing countries.
Al Ghais pointed out that the original UNFCCC document differentiated between developed and developing nations, with the former historically responsible for the majority of carbon emissions. He cited historical data to illustrate the point.
“From a historical perspective, since 1850, the US has around a 25% share of CO2 emissions, with the EU at close to 17% and the G7 countries at over 43%.
“In contrast, OPEC Member Countries are at 4%, India is at 3.5%, and Africa and South America are below 3%.”
HE Haitham Al Ghais, OPEC Secretary General
Al Ghais stressed that this disparity in emissions and economic realities must be reflected in climate negotiations. “At times, today, it can feel like some forget this distinction at COP meetings, but it is vital that this remains central to the process going forward,” he said.
The OPEC Secretary General also reaffirmed the sovereign right of nations to exploit their own resources in accordance with their environmental and economic policies.
He noted that oil-producing nations, particularly developing economies, face significant economic risks from global efforts to phase out fossil fuels.
He referenced the UNFCCC’s recognition of “the special difficulties of those countries… whose economies are particularly dependent on fossil fuel production, use and exportation.”
According to him, the COP process should ensure that these economies are not disproportionately harmed by climate policies that fail to consider their financial dependence on fossil fuels.
Oil and the Reality of Global Energy Demand
Despite calls for an energy transition, Al Ghais pointed out that global oil demand continues to rise, and many nations remain heavily reliant on petroleum products.
“Around 100 countries currently produce oil, consuming countries continue to buy it, with global demand increasing year-on-year, and petroleum products remain vital to everyday needs.
“In fact, you would not be able to host a COP without them.”
HE Haitham Al Ghais, OPEC Secretary General
His comments reflect OPEC’s stance that oil should not be demonized in climate discussions, as the world still relies on fossil fuels for energy security and economic stability.
Instead, he advocated for a balanced approach that includes emissions reductions while recognizing the ongoing role of oil in the global energy mix.
Al Ghais also criticized developed countries for their failure to fully honor financial commitments to support developing nations’ transition to cleaner energy.
He cited the UNFCCC’s principle that developed nations should provide “new and additional financial resources, including for the transfer of technology,” to help poorer nations implement climate measures.
Despite discussions over the years, financial commitments remain largely unmet.
“The issue of developed countries fulfilling their obligations to meet funding gaps and scale up climate finance to developing countries was still on the agenda at Baku, 32 years later.”
HE Haitham Al Ghais, OPEC Secretary General
He called for developed countries to deliver on these promises and ensure climate finance goals are fully met.
A Call for More Inclusive COP Dialogues
The OPEC Secretary General emphasized the need for a more inclusive COP process, where all voices are heard and considered equally. He expressed concern that in some COP meetings, oil producers have been sidelined, particularly at COP26.
“While oil producers had a seat at the table at the three most recent COP meetings; after being almost dismissed at COP26, it is vital to keep in mind the spirit that emanates throughout the UNFCCC founding document. One that emphasizes that all voices should be heard.”
HE Haitham Al Ghais, OPEC Secretary General
Al Ghais reiterated that the UNFCCC never mandated a specific energy source, but rather emphasized reducing emissions and leveraging appropriate technologies.
“We cannot dismiss any energies, any technologies, or any peoples.
“We need win-win solutions at COP meetings that take on board all views, just like the UNFCCC was set up to do.”
HE Haitham Al Ghais, OPEC Secretary General
His remarks come amid ongoing debates about the future of energy policies, as world leaders continue to negotiate climate action strategies.
Whether COP meetings will address his concerns remains to be seen, but his call for a more inclusive and realistic approach to climate discussions has certainly added a new dimension to the global conversation.
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