Azerbaijan Reportedly Restricting Schools and Weddings to Host COP29

Azerbaijan, a nation known for its oil and gas exports, is preparing to host the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) later this year. The decision to hold the event in Azerbaijan has sparked significant controversy, with environmental groups and international observers questioning the country’s motives and its suitability as a host. The concerns stem from Azerbaijan’s environmental track record and its treatment of journalists and human rights activists, leading many to view this as an attempt by the government to "greenwash" its reputation on the world stage.

The announcement that Azerbaijan would host COP29 has been met with enthusiasm by the local Azerbaijani media and government officials. The pro-government press has hailed it as a sign of the country's rising influence and international recognition. Headlines have praised the event as a "clear indicator of Azerbaijan's authority on the world stage" and an opportunity for Baku to become the "center of the world" during the conference. The government wants to showcase Azerbaijan as a modern and influential nation capable of hosting a major international event - despite its war crimes, occupation, and of course ethnic cleansing.

President Ilham Aliyev has announced that the country expects to welcome 70,000 to 80,000 foreign visitors for the conference, a significant influx that has led to widespread preparations in the capital, Baku. However, these preparations have raised eyebrows due to the stringent measures being implemented to accommodate the event.

In anticipation of COP29, Azerbaijan's government has introduced a series of restrictions that have disrupted daily life in Baku. Prime Minister Ali Asadov announced that during the conference, students would shift to distance learning, and schoolchildren would be given a break from their studies. Additionally, many banquet halls and large restaurants have stopped accepting wedding bookings for November, the month of the conference.

Lavish weddings are a common sight in Baku, often involving large gatherings and processions of cars honking through the streets. The sudden halt to wedding bookings has sparked speculation among the public. While some establishments have voluntarily paused bookings due to concerns about overcrowding, others suggest that the government has imposed an unofficial ban. Hotels in the capital have also been affected, with many ceasing to accept reservations for November, except through the COP29 organizers' official channels.

These measures have drawn comparisons to the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic when weddings were banned, restaurants were closed, and students were sent home. Some residents fear that the government may impose even stricter controls, such as limiting outdoor activities, during the conference, reminiscent of the lockdown period.

The decision to hold COP29 in Azerbaijan has been criticized by various international organizations, including Transparency International, which has labeled it a "troubling conflict of interest." Critics argue that Azerbaijan's heavy reliance on fossil fuels and its plans to significantly increase gas production are at odds with the goals of the climate conference. The fact that the event will be chaired by a former senior official of the state oil company only adds to these concerns.

Azerbaijan’s environmental credentials have also been called into question. Despite its abundant sunshine and winds, the country has made minimal progress in developing renewable energy sources. According to the International Energy Agency, renewable energy (including hydroelectric power) accounts for just 1% of Azerbaijan's total energy production. Environmental advocacy groups, such as Oil Change International, have criticized Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29, accusing the government of using the event to improve its international image rather than making genuine efforts to address climate change.

The criticism surrounding COP29 is not limited to environmental issues. Azerbaijan's human rights record has long been a subject of concern, particularly its treatment of journalists, activists, and political opponents. In recent years, the government has been accused of suppressing dissent and cracking down on independent media. The timing of COP29 has led some to suggest that the event is being used as a tool to distract from these ongoing issues and present a more favorable image to the international community.

Azerbaijan has a history of using major international events to bolster its global standing. The country previously hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, Formula 1 races, and the European Games, each time promoting these events as symbols of its success and leadership. However, critics argue that these efforts are primarily aimed at "whitening" the country's reputation, which has been tarnished by reports of human rights abuses.

One prominent critic was human rights activist Rasul Jafarov, who organized an alternative contest called "Sing for Democracy" during the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 to draw attention to Azerbaijan’s human rights issues. Jafarov was later imprisoned on charges of financial crimes, which many believe were politically motivated. His case shows the risks faced by those who challenge the government’s narrative.

The upcoming COP29 has also raised questions about whether it could become a platform for protests by so-called "environmental activists" in Azerbaijan. In the past, the government has supported demonstrations that align with its interests, such as the protests that blocked the road from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) to Armenia in late 2022 – creating a major humanitarian blockade of over 100,000 indigenous Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. These protests were portrayed as grassroots environmental actions but were widely seen as politically motivated. 

While the government seeks to use the conference to enhance its international reputation, critics argue that it is merely a facade, masking the country’s environmental shortcomings and ongoing human rights abuses. The measures being taken in Baku, from restricting weddings to displacing students, shows the lengths to which the government is willing to go to control the outcome of the event.