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Balanced energytransition is a key to global sustainability, said Haitham AlGhais, Secretary General of the Organization of the PetroleumExporting Countries (OPEC), in a speech at the COP29 summit, reports. He emphasized the continued importance of oil and gas inaddressing global energy needs while advocating for a balanced andinclusive approach to energy transitions. Highlighting the historical significance of Azerbaijan as thebirthplace of petroleum, Al Ghais stated, "Petroleum andpetroleum-derived products continue to shape how we heat and coolour homes, construct our buildings, and transport ourselves from Ato B.
" He also underscored the indispensable role of oil and gas insectors such as food production, medical research, andmanufacturing. However, Al Ghais drew attention to the stark inequalities inenergy access. "Around 685 million people worldwide still lackaccess to electricity, and 2.
1 billion rely on unsafe andinefficient cooking fuels," he said. "The challenge lies inensuring energy accessibility, meeting rising demand, enhancingsecurity, maintaining affordability, and reducing emissions." Al Ghais reaffirmed OPEC's position on embracing diverse energysources and technologies.
"The Paris Agreement focuses on reducingemissions, not choosing energy sources. We must leverage allavailable technologies and ensure that the needs of all peoplesaround the world are taken into account," he remarked. He called for developed nations to meet their climate financecommitments, stressing the importance of funding and technologytransfer to bridge gaps in energy accessibility.
"Each party hasthe right to chart its own pathway to sustainability, respectingnational circumstances and development priorities," Al Ghais noted,advocating for inclusive dialogue and international cooperation toaddress climate and energy challenges. In closing, he praised Azerbaijan for its leadership andhospitality, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts tobuild a sustainable future. "There is no one-size-fits-allsolution, but together, through dialogue and cooperation, we canachieve a balanced energy transition that leaves no one behind," heconcluded.
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