Elnur Soltanov: Green transition should coincide with national interests

A green transition must align with national interests, Elnur Soltanov, deputy minister of energy and executive director of COP29, said at the Baku Climate Week, Report informs.

He noted that geopolitics is a key factor: "Because this is an intergovernmental process. Geopolitics has very subtle mechanisms. But ultimately, it depends on the decisions of society-especially young people and children."

Soltanov noted that since states are focusing on their own interests, the green transition must also, to a certain extent, align with national interests: "We are fortunate that in many cases, the green transition serves the national interests of countries, both in terms of technological innovation and economic contribution. In some countries, it's a matter of energy security. Therefore, overall, there is sufficient compatibility between national interests and global goals. Secondly, no single government or governments can advance the process quickly enough. The main goal is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and the 1.5-degree limit. In this sense, the role of governments is to unlock the potential of the private sector. There is no other way."