Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, head of Adnoc and designated head of the upcoming Cop28 negotiations in Dubai
Realistic hope should be the legacy of Cop28
The appointment of the UAE’s Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber as Cop president has drawn criticism from some quarters, but progress on the energy transition will require cooperation, not conflict
It is no longer surprising to see a sudden surge of outrage aimed at energy leaders, often amplified by global and social media. Stories of heroes and villains remain popular. The World Energy Council community has been at the forefront of making energy transitions happen for a century, so has some experience to bring to the table. The latest outrage has been aimed at the credibility of the UAE’s appointed Cop president, Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, following concerns raised by some Western legislators. It is easy to join the bandwagon of criticism against a highly visible target, but progress rests on inclusion and sustaining cooperation, not conflict. More decentralised, decarbonised and d
Also in this section
4 December 2025
Time is running out for Lukoil and Rosneft to divest international assets that will be mostly rendered useless to them when the US sanctions deadline arrives in mid-December
3 December 2025
Aramco’s pursuit of $30b in US gas partnerships marks a strategic pivot. The US gains capital and certainty; Saudi Arabia gains access, flexibility and a new export future
2 December 2025
The interplay between OPEC+, China and the US will define oil markets throughout 2026
1 December 2025
The North African producer’s first bidding round in almost two decades is an important milestone but the recent extension suggests a degree of trepidation
