Taliban's Debut at Global Climate Summit: A Controversial Attendance

The Afghan Taliban's attendance at the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan marks a significant step, as they participate for the first time in a major UN climate event since gaining power in 2021. Despite challenges of international recognition and restrictions on women's rights, they aim to engage in climate discussions.

The Taliban is set to participate in a major United Nations climate conference for the first time since assuming control in Afghanistan in 2021, according to the Afghan Foreign Ministry. COP29 in Baku will see Taliban officials engage in high-profile multilateral climate talks, despite the lack of formal UN recognition for their administration.

While Afghanistan's government remains unrecognized by most U.N. member states due to the Taliban's policies on women's rights, Azerbaijan has invited them as observers. This role allows them to attend periphery discussions and hold bilateral talks, though they are not granted credentials for proceedings with full member states.

Afghanistan continues to face severe climate impacts, such as flash floods and extended droughts, which heighten the country's humanitarian needs. International criticism of the Taliban's isolation suggests it could exacerbate the suffering of Afghan citizens, who are already struggling with food insecurity and lack of global aid.

(With inputs from agencies.)