Doha, Qatar | 4 November 2026 – The GECF convened its 5th Meeting in the Run-Up to COP31 virtually, hosted from its Headquarters in Doha, Qatar, bringing together representatives of Member Countries, climate negotiators and international experts to examine key developments in climate negotiations and their relation to natural gas.
In his remarks, HE Dr Mshelbila highlighted three priorities ahead of COP31: the growing interaction between climate policy and international trade, the continued discussions on fossil fuels and the design of the just transition framework. He emphasized that climate action should focus on reducing emissions, rather than fuels, while respecting national circumstances, development priorities and sovereign energy choices, underscoring the important role of natural gas in the energy transition itself, supporting renewable energy integration, energy security, and industrial competitiveness. Referring to the GECF Position on EU Climate Measures Affecting Natural Gas Markets, he called for constructive cooperation and a balanced approach that safeguards security of supply and demand.
The meeting featured two sessions. Session I, “The Negotiation Landscape: State of Play”, moderated by Abubakar Jibrin Abbas (GECF), examined developments from Belém to Antalya, fossil-fuel transition roadmaps, the proposed “35% by 2035” electrification target and the role of natural gas in UNFCCC negotiations. Speakers included Masoumeh Moradzadeh (GECF), Daniel Roy Bako (OPEC), Amin Naderian (GECF) and Konstantin Romanov (Gazprom).
Session II, “Negotiation-focused”, addressed unilateral trade measures, climate finance, Article 6 carbon markets and the Belém–Antalya Mechanism, particularly in relation to just transition, sustainable development and energy security. Contributions were delivered by Vahini Naidu (South Centre), Kishor Rajhansa (Global Carbon Council), Malik Mechhoud (SONATRACH) and Prof. Damilola S. Olawuyi (Hamad Bin Khalifa University). A closed discussion among Member Countries followed to facilitate coordination ahead of COP31.
In his closing remarks, HE Dr Mshelbila encouraged Member Countries to adopt evidence-based and constructive positions, emphasising that a point not raised and recorded in negotiations risks being overlooked in the resulting framework. He further highlighted GECF’s planned engagements at COP31 in Antalya.
The GECF reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a fair, science-based and practical approach to climate action that balances energy security, emissions reduction and sustainable development while safeguarding the legitimate interests of natural gas-exporting countries.