Azerbaijan has emerged as the chosen host for the upcoming COP29 climate change summit, following the endorsement from Eastern European nations during the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai. The decision has drawn attention to Azerbaijan's oil production and human rights record, sparking both praise and criticism from different quarters.

The Eastern European group, including Azerbaijan, expressed their support for Baku's bid in a letter to the U.N. climate change body on Saturday. Azerbaijan's Ecology Minister, Mukhtar Babayev, expressed gratitude to all supporting countries and specifically acknowledged the Eastern European group and the United Arab Emirates, the host of COP28 summit.

However, the decision has been met with concern by some, particularly with regards to Azerbaijan's human rights record. Zhala Bayramova, the daughter of anti-corruption researcher Gubad Ibadoghlu, who was imprisoned in Azerbaijan for criticizing the country's oil and gas industry, expressed her dismay. She stated that hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan would undermine the significance of her father's work and give legitimacy to the government.

Azerbaijan, despite not being an EU member, requires approval from nearly 200 countries present at the COP28 talks for its bid to be successful. However, delegates expect the vote to be a mere formality.

To secure their bid, Azerbaijan reached an agreement with long-standing adversary Armenia to ensure it would not face an Armenian veto. Holding the presidency of a U.N. climate summit grants a country significant influence over the agenda and outcomes of the event.

While concerns have been raised about hosting the global climate talks in an oil-producing nation, Azerbaijan has highlighted its plans to diversify its energy sources, including an increased focus on wind and solar power. The European Commission has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to double imports of Azeri natural gas, as part of its strategy to reduce reliance on Russia.

Critics argue that Azerbaijan should not be allowed to use COP29 as a distraction from its record on freedom of speech and human rights. Joe Bardwell, a spokesman for Publish What You Pay, an organization that created the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), emphasized the need for Azerbaijan to listen to its critics, given its significant role as an oil producer.

Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Aykhan Hajizada, reassured that the country is well-equipped to handle the event. Despite the usual practice of deciding the host country years in advance, Baku asserts its readiness for the summit.

The COP28 summit in the United Arab Emirates has already become the largest to date, with over 90,000 delegates in attendance. As preparations for next year's COP29 climate change summit commence, the focus will be on Azerbaijan's ability to address concerns over its oil production and human rights issues, while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

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