< Previous50 CEO MIDDLE EAST NOVEMBER 2023 OP28 is just around the corner, however COP29, scheduled to be hosted by an Eastern European country in 2024, is already grabbing headlines. The process of selecting a host is turning into a diplomatic challenge, primarily due to the geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine. Bulgaria, an EU member, expressed its interest in hosting COP29 and garnered support from fellow Eastern European EU nations. But Russia’s resolute stance against allowing any EU member country to host the summit puts this bid in a precarious position. Armenia and Azerbaijan, initially strong contenders, have been hamstrung by their own regional disputes and entanglement with Russia, which has further complicated the process. As Eastern European nations strive to fi nd common ground and reach a compromise for COP29’s host, Australia and Turkey have stepped into the fray. Australia’s eagerness to host COP29 has been known for some time, but recently, the country has hinted at its desire to bid for COP31 instead. This shift could be related to political motivations to align its hosting opportunity with its climate policy objectives. Turkey, which straddles the line between Europe and Asia, has also now emerged as a contender for COP29. Amidst all this, it has been reported that the UAE has offered to host the annual UN climate summit next year too if no consensus on a host is arrived upon. This strategic move could grant the UAE substantial infl uence over global climate policy during a pivotal two-year period when decisive actions are needed to combat climate change. Whilst it is too early to draw defi nitive conclusions, these developments point to a subtle shift in the global distribution of infl uence and clout in climate negotiations, and a signifi cant realignment of infl uence towards Asia. For years, climate negotiations and global environmental diplomacy have often been dominated by Western powers and developed nations. However, the dynamics are evolving: The UAE’s presidency of COP28 and the shift in interest towards hosting COP events from Australia and Turkey refl ects the growing recognition of the importance of Asia Pacifi c and the Middle East in the climate agenda. Regardless of the outcome of negotiations, one thing is certain – the host for COP29 will signifi cantly infl uence the path of climate action and environmental diplomacy on the world stage. Whilst it is too early to defi nitively assert a shift of infl uence towards Asia, the indecisiveness surrounding Eastern Europe’s hosting of COP29 could be an impetus for greater inclusivity and collaboration in the global fi ght against climate change. The true answer to whether these developments will reshape the landscape of climate diplomacy will only become clear in the years to come, depending on how united the world is in its efforts to combat the climate crisis. FINAL THOUGHTS IS THERE A REALIGNMENT OF INFLUENCE IN GLOBAL CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS? One thing is certain – the host for COP29 will signifi cantly infl uence the path of climate action and environmental diplomacy on the world stage C BY VINEETHA SONY, HEAD OF TRADE SERVICES, MIDDLE EAST, OCO GLOBAL The indecisiveness surrounding Eastern Europe’s hosting of COP29 could be an impetus for greater collaboration in the global fight against climate change, Sony believes www.ceo-middleeast.com The most important business people and CEOs talk to the most important magazineNext >