Mukhtar Babayev, a former oil executive, appointed to lead climate change discussions in Azerbaijan for COP29

Mukhtar Babayev, a minister with a background in the oil industry, has been appointed as the president-designate of the COP29 talks, which will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan in November. Before becoming the environment minister in 2018, Babayev worked for Azerbaijan's national oil company for 26 years. He replaces Sultan al-Jaber, who oversaw COP28 in Dubai last year. Babayev's appointment has raised concerns among climate campaigners about the increasing influence of the oil industry in global climate negotiations. However, some experts believe that COP29 will be a less contentious event, with a greater focus on reaching consensus on long-term financial goals. Azerbaijan has gained international recognition under President Ilham Aliyev's rule, having hosted major events such as the Eurovision Song Contest and the Baku European Games.