World leaders are gathering in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29, the pivotal UN climate meeting from November 11-22, 2024, aimed at addressing escalating climate challenges. With the recent election of climate skeptic Donald Trump and various global crises diverting attention, many top leaders, including those from the US, China, and Europe, will be absent. Key discussions will focus on securing financial support for developing nations to tackle climate change and assessing commitments made under the Paris Agreement. However, Azerbaijan’s controversial fossil fuel expansion and human rights issues add complexity to the discussions.