It's a pity that Bulgaria and Armenia (rival candidates within same UN-region to host COP29) conceded this at COP28, I don't know why.
Last I heard, Azerbaijan even closed its land borders - no way in except by plane - anybody know if this is still true?
Anyway, the agenda for some COPs matters more than for others - this year they just have to clap something through to keep the process going, so real progress can be made next year in Belem.