The announcement of Azerbaijan as the host of COP29 has ignited intense debate over the appropriateness of a nation heavily dependent on fossil fuels leading such a critical climate conference. While hosting COP29 offers Azerbaijan an opportunity to signal its commitment to addressing climate change, its entrenched reliance on oil and gas, alongside an underwhelming environmental record, raises significant concerns about its ability to champion meaningful progress. This article examines the complexities of Azerbaijan’s role as host, considering its economic reliance on fossil fuels, ecological challenges, and the potential for transformative change if international pressure and scrutiny are applied effectively.