Taliban Asserts Afghanistan’s Right to Engage in Future Climate Talks

An Afghan official has called for the country’s inclusion in future climate talks after its first attendance at COP29 as guests. The Taliban government argued for their right to participate, emphasizing Afghanistan’s vulnerabilities to climate change. The UN has also urged for support and inclusion in climate discussions. Afghanistan seeks to share its experiences and challenges on a global stage to attract international assistance.

An Afghan environment official has asserted that Afghanistan should be allowed to participate in future global climate talks following its recent attendance at COP29 in Baku. This marked the first occasion an Afghan delegation was present since the Taliban regained power in August 2021. Though attending as invited guests rather than as official negotiators, the Afghan officials aimed to voice the pressing environmental issues facing their nation.

Matiul Haq Khalis, the director general of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, described the recent attendance as a significant accomplishment, emphasizing the importance of sharing Afghanistan’s needs on a global platform. During their visit, the delegation engaged with representatives from 19 various organizations and governments, including notable countries such as Russia and Qatar.

Afghanistan faces considerable vulnerabilities due to climate change despite contributing minimal emissions. The Taliban government, emphasizing inclusivity in climate discussions, has argued that their political isolation should not exclude them from such crucial dialogues. The country, marred by ongoing economic challenges and environmental threats, grapples with extreme weather events, reduced agricultural productivity, and severe poverty, exacerbated by decades of conflict. The United Nations has advocated for international support to enhance Afghanistan’s resilience and participation in climate negotiations.

Amidst commitments from developed nations to furnish $100 billion annually for climate finance through 2025, the plight of developing nations like Afghanistan calls for urgent attention. The urgency of climate action is apparent, as Afghanistan’s situation demands swift and coordinated international response to adapt to adverse climatic conditions.

The Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 prompted concerns regarding Afghanistan’s involvement in global discussions, particularly in light of pressing environmental crises. The COP meetings are vital platforms where nations convene to deliberate on climate actions, and Afghanistan, being one of the most affected nations despite low emissions, has historically been excluded from these talks. The necessity for Afghanistan’s participation stems not only from its unique vulnerabilities but also from the need to voice its citizens’ struggles and gather support for climate resilience initiatives.

In conclusion, Afghanistan’s participation in future climate discussions is essential to address the severe environmental challenges it faces. By participating, the Afghan government aims to amplify the voice of its citizens and seek necessary support from the international community to tackle the adverse impacts of climate change. With ongoing commitments from developed countries to assist in climate finance, it is imperative to ensure that Afghanistan is integrated into the global dialogue on climate resilience and action.

Original Source: www.france24.com