Taliban's Climate Debut: Afghan Officials to Attend UN Summit Amid Ongoing Isolation

The Taliban will attend a UN climate conference for the first time since seizing power in 2021. Despite not being formally recognized by the UN, Afghan officials are set to join discussions in Azerbaijan. Afghanistan faces severe climate challenges, worsened by its international isolation and internal policies on women's rights.

Afghan Taliban officials are making their first appearance at a major United Nations climate conference since taking power in 2021, marking a significant step in international engagement. The COP29 summit in Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, signals Afghanistan's venture into high-profile multilateral forums despite a lack of formal recognition by the U.N.

The National Environmental Protection Agency, now under Taliban control, has dispatched officials to participate as observers in periphery discussions and potential bilateral meetings. Although instances such as these have occurred in Doha and Central Asia, official participation in the conference's main proceedings remains disallowed due to non-recognition of the Taliban government by U.N. member states.

Afghanistan, deeply affected by climate change with recent flash floods and persistent droughts, sees over 75% of its populace reliant on agriculture facing mounting food insecurity. Critics argue that international isolation exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, urging greater engagement to address the pressing challenges faced by the Afghan people.

(With inputs from agencies.)