Afghanistan to attend UN climate summit for first time since Taliban takeover

An Afghan delegation will attend the upcoming UN climate change summit (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking the country's first participation since Taliban took control in 2021. The summit will be held from November 11-22.

Although no country has formally recognized the Taliban government, Azerbaijan extended an invitation to the delegation. While the delegation's role at COP29 remains unclear, sources suggest they will have observer status, according to an AFP report.

Azerbaijan reopened its embassy in Kabul this year but has not officially recognized the Taliban administration.

Afghanistan is considered highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Taliban officials have stressed the importance of Afghanistan's involvement in international climate discussions, arguing that political isolation should not prevent the country from engaging in these critical talks.

“Climate change is a humanitarian issue,” said Zainulabedin Abid, deputy head of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA). “We have called on the international community not to link climate change matters with politics.”

Officials from NEPA have stressed the urgency of addressing climate change and urged the revival of environmental projects halted since the Taliban takeover.

Afghanistan, a signatory to the 2015 Paris Agreement, had been developing its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) before the change in government. Despite uncertainty around the UN's recognition of their efforts, NEPA has continued work on this document.

This participation in COP29 signifies a step toward Afghanistan’s re-engagement in global climate change discussions despite its political isolation.