In a recent article, Charlie Hebdo launched a scathing attack on Azerbaijan for hosting COP29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference set to take place in November 2024.

This is not the first, nor will it likely be the last, instance of French media unfairly targeting Azerbaijan. Just recently, France Info published a similarly biased critique. There is a clear pattern here: the same recycled accusations, the same narrow-minded rhetoric.

French journalists repeatedly question how Azerbaijan - a nation whose economy depends on oil and gas revenues - can possibly host a climate conference. They argue that Azerbaijan's reliance on hydrocarbons disqualifies it from contributing meaningfully to global climate discussions. But this argument is as flawed as it is short-sighted.

Azerbaijan, like many resource-rich countries, is already working towards a more sustainable future, balancing its current energy needs with the global shift toward greener alternatives. The decision to host COP29 in Baku is a testament to Azerbaijan's commitment to playing an active role in addressing climate change, despite its challenges. To dismiss Azerbaijan’s efforts based solely on its energy profile is to ignore the complexities of energy transitions that many countries, including France, must also navigate.

Of course, no French critique would be complete without invoking human rights. Charlie Hebdo leans on the same old, tired claims that nearly all activists in Azerbaijan are jailed, relying on reports that are clearly influenced by Armenian interests. This narrative is blatantly false. When violations occur closer to home - whether it's police brutality or crackdowns on protests in France itself - these journalists are often silent. Conveniently so.

What’s particularly troubling about this latest attack is the ingratitude it reflects. When the Charlie Hebdo editorial office was attacked in 2015, in response to their offensive caricature of the Prophet Muhammad, Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to express its condolences. The Azerbaijani government stood in solidarity with France during that dark time, and the French Ambassador in Baku even expressed his "heartfelt gratitude" to Azerbaijan for its support. And yet, how does Charlie Hebdo thank Azerbaijan now? With insults and offensive caricatures aimed at undermining the country's credibility as it prepares to host a major global event.

Despite the French media’s noise, no other nations are boycotting COP29. In fact, dozens of world leaders, alongside hundreds of top executives from energy companies and climate experts, will be in attendance. For two weeks, Baku will be at the center of global attention as crucial discussions on climate solutions unfold. By refusing to acknowledge this success, the French media only expose their own frustrations.

The caricatures and inflammatory articles are nothing more than a desperate attempt to discredit Azerbaijan's growing role on the international stage. The world, however, moves forward. Azerbaijan remains committed to fostering dialogue and addressing global challenges - whether they are related to climate, energy, or human rights.

In the end, the facts speak for themselves: Azerbaijan is evolving, engaging actively in the global climate conversation while maintaining its strategic importance in the energy sector. COP29 will be a success, despite the cynical attempts by a few French publications to derail it. The support and recognition of world leaders will far outweigh the bitterness coming from certain corners of the French press.