Saudi Delegate Accused of Altering Cop29 Negotiating Text, Jeopardizing Climate Talks

A Saudi Arabian delegate has been accused of making unauthorized edits to a negotiating text at Cop29. Typically, these texts are shared as non-editable PDFs with all attending countries. Experts warn that allowing one country to edit these texts could jeopardize the entire conference.

Saudi Arabia, a major oil producer, is seen by many as an obstacle to climate action and has been called a “wrecking ball” at the summit. Recently, the Azerbaijani presidency circulated an updated document concerning the just transition work program (JTWP) aimed at promoting clean energy and reducing inequalities.

In the circulated document, Basel Alsubaity from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy made changes without input from other countries. One major change removed the recommendation for countries to consider just transition pathways related to national climate plans, undermining alignment with the Paris Agreement.

Catherine Abreu, a climate politics expert, criticized this editing access. She noted that it goes against established rules and could disrupt the negotiation process, especially as Saudi Arabia has a history of opposing fossil fuel reductions.

This situation escalated tensions, leading two groups—the Alliance of Small Island States and the Least Developed Countries—to walk out of a key meeting over a lack of consultation.

What are the implications of Saudi Arabia’s unauthorized edits to negotiating texts at COP29?

Interview with Catherine Abreu: Saudi Arabia’s Editing Controversy at COP29

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Catherine. We’d like to get your insights on the recent accusations against a Saudi Arabian delegate for unauthorized edits to a key negotiating text at COP29. Can you explain why this is such a critical issue?

Catherine Abreu: Thank you for having me. The unauthorized editing of negotiating texts is a serious breach of protocol at international climate conferences. Typically, these documents are shared as non-editable PDFs to ensure transparency and equal input from all participating nations. Allowing one country, especially one as influential as Saudi Arabia, to make changes without consultation undermines the integrity of the negotiating process and risks skewing the final agreements in ways that may not reflect collective consensus.

Interviewer: What were the specific changes made by Basel Alsubaity from Saudi Arabia, and why do they matter?

Catherine Abreu: Alsubaity made significant changes to the just transition work program (JTWP) document. Notably, he removed the recommendation for countries to consider just transition pathways related to their national climate plans. This is particularly concerning because it directly affects alignment with the Paris Agreement, which emphasizes the need for equitable transitions towards clean energy. By eliminating this recommendation, Saudi Arabia is not only disregarding collaborative input but also potentially stifling progress on essential climate actions.

Interviewer: There have been talks about this issue escalating tensions among delegations. Can you elaborate on how this has impacted the negotiations?

Catherine Abreu: Absolutely. The lack of consultation surrounding these edits has led to significant frustration, particularly among the Alliance of Small Island States and the Least Developed Countries. Both groups have expressed a feeling of exclusion and walked out of a key meeting as a protest against this undermining of collaborative efforts. This kind of dissent reflects a broader concern that the negotiation process is at risk of being co-opted by a few powerful fossil fuel nations, which stifles the voices of those most vulnerable to climate impacts.

Interviewer: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock commented on the situation, stating that a few fossil fuel countries are trying to dominate the talks. How do you view this assertion in light of Saudi Arabia’s history in climate negotiations?

Catherine Abreu: Baerbock’s statement resonates with the concerns many have about the influence of fossil-fuel-dependent nations at climate conferences. Saudi Arabia has a documented history of obstructing progress in climate talks, often seeking to delay efforts aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependency. This persistence not only hampers meaningful negotiation but can also prevent the global community from making the necessary commitments to combat climate change effectively. Wealthier fossil fuel nations pushing their agendas can overshadow the needs and voices of more vulnerable countries.

Interviewer: What do you think should be done to address this situation and prevent future occurrences?

Catherine Abreu: It’s essential for the COP presidency and other relevant organizations to take a firm stance on maintaining the integrity of the negotiation process. Stronger rules and enforceable guidelines must be established to ensure that all edits to official documents involve substantial input from all parties. Additionally, greater transparency in the negotiation process will help build trust among nations, ensuring that no single country can dictate terms unilaterally. We need to foster an environment where collaboration and consensus prevail over individual agendas.

Interviewer: Thank you, Catherine, for sharing your thoughts on this pressing issue. We hope to see positive developments at COP29 in the coming days.

Catherine Abreu: Thank you. I share that hope. The stakes are too high for us to allow any country to derail the progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that a few fossil fuel countries are trying to dominate the talks. She emphasized the need to protect vulnerable states from exploitation by wealthier fossil fuel nations.

A 2023 report highlighted Saudi Arabia’s consistent obstruction at climate talks. The report detailed its long-standing efforts to delay progress in addressing fossil fuel issues, despite rising temperatures and diminishing water resources in the country.

The Cop29 presidency and relevant organizations have been contacted for their comments on this matter.