KABUL, Dec 1 — Afghanistan has urged the international community to ensure its inclusion in future global climate negotiations, following a groundbreaking appearance at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. It marked the first time Afghan representatives, under the Taliban government, attended a COP summit since the group took power in August 2021.
The Afghan delegation participated as “guests” of the Azerbaijani hosts, not as an official party to the negotiations. Matiul Haq Khalis, director general of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, described the event as a “big achievement” at a press conference on Sunday.
“We participated in the conference this year so that we could raise the voice of the nation about the issues we are facing,” Khalis said. “Afghanistan must participate in such conferences in the future.”
During the summit, the Afghan delegation reportedly held talks with representatives from 19 organizations and governments, including Russia, Qatar, Azerbaijan, and Bangladesh.
Climate Challenges in Afghanistan
Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, grappling with prolonged droughts, frequent floods, and declining agricultural productivity, despite contributing minimally to global emissions. Decades of conflict and political instability have further weakened its ability to adapt to climate impacts.
Khalis emphasized the need for international assistance to address these challenges, urging collaboration to support Afghan resilience against climate change.
Calls for Inclusion Amid Controversy
The Taliban government, which has faced global criticism for imposing severe restrictions on women and girls, argues that its political isolation should not exclude Afghanistan from crucial climate discussions. The United Nations has echoed the call for Afghanistan’s inclusion in such talks, highlighting the importance of global cooperation in addressing shared environmental challenges.
Developed nations have pledged $100 billion annually through 2025 to support developing countries in building climate resilience and transitioning to sustainable energy sources. Afghanistan hopes to secure a share of this funding to address its urgent climate needs.
The inclusion of Afghanistan in future climate negotiations remains a contentious issue, with international leaders balancing the need for engagement on shared environmental challenges against broader political concerns.
