GECF, Opec to strengthen ties to 'navigate intersections' of energy, climate and development

The Doha-headquartered Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) have declared their shared commitment to strengthen ties, including at the technical level, to navigate complex intersections of energy, climate and development.

This was decided at their third co-ordination meeting during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

The meeting underscored the ongoing cooperation between the two organisations and highlighted the significance of their collaboration in addressing the challenges of climate change and energy security.

The meeting was co-chaired by Mohamed Hamel, Secretary-General, GECF, and Haitham al-Ghais, Secretary-General, Opec.

Hamel noted, “The GECF and Opec are like-minded intergovernmental organisations, and it is vital to provide a platform for our members to exchange views and expertise on the critical negotiating streams of COP29. The outcomes of these negotiations hold profound implications for their socio-economic development.”

Al-Ghais reiterated the importance of collaboration between the two organisations, stating that “these meetings continue to allow us to co-ordinate together, giving our interventions increased impact and clarity.

“We value this co-operation, as Opec continues to support its members on several fronts during the UNFCCC processes,” adding, “We hope that our meeting today will add to the collaborative spirit and the goals of fairness and equality.”

The meeting centred on key topics related to sustainable development, energy and climate change. Participants acknowledged the importance of advancing critical issues under the Paris Agreement framework, which are particularly relevant to developing countries, including climate finance, mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, the just, realistic and equitable energy transitions, technology transfer and capacity building.

Participants reaffirmed the pivotal role of oil and natural gas in driving global economic growth, alleviating poverty and enhancing prosperity. Together, these energy sources currently account for over half of the global energy mix.

The discussion included a review of negotiations on climate finance, with a focus on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), Mitigation Ambition and Implementation Work Programme, work programme on Just Transition Pathways, unilateral trade measures and the adverse impacts of response measures and co-operative approaches under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, including market and non-market mechanisms.

Delegates emphasised the need for an equitable, inclusive, realistic and balanced outcome from COP29 that addresses climate change while safeguarding sustainable development, energy security and affordability. They stressed that no one should be left behind in energy transitions.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration between GECF and Opec member countries in engaging effectively in climate negotiations and addressing shared challenges. Both organisations recognised that co-operation is essential to ensuring their member countries’ interests are upheld while contributing meaningfully to global climate goals.