Taliban Joins Global Climate Dialogue at COP29

For the first time since their 2021 takeover, the Taliban will attend a U.N. climate conference, COP29, in Azerbaijan. This participation aims to strengthen Afghanistan's collaboration with the global community on climate issues. The country faces severe climate challenges, including droughts and food insecurity.

The Taliban is set to make its inaugural appearance at a U.N. climate conference since regaining control of Afghanistan in 2021. COP29, held in Azerbaijan starting Monday, marks a significant multilateral meeting for the Taliban, who are yet to secure official recognition internationally.

A technical team from Afghanistan's National Environmental Protection Agency is attending the event, which was announced via the agency's post on the platform formerly known as Twitter, now X. Matiul Haq Khalis, the agency's head, emphasized the conference as a platform for international cooperation on environmental protection and to discuss pressing climate change issues relevant to Afghanistan.

The country's increasingly dire environmental issues, including severe droughts and a decline in water resources, highlight the urgency for global financial support and policy intervention. Kabul University experts underscore the necessity of international aid, pointing to significant vulnerabilities in the country's agriculture and the well-being of its children.

(With inputs from agencies.)