An Afghan environmental official stated on Sunday that Afghanistan should be allowed to participate in future global climate talks. This comes after the country’s delegation attended COP29 in Baku, where Taliban officials were present for the first time. The Afghan representatives were invited as “guests” by the Azerbaijani hosts, rather than being directly involved in the negotiations. This was a significant achievement for Afghanistan, as they had not been invited to the past two COPs held in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
Matiul Haq Khalis, the director general of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, emphasized the importance of Afghanistan’s participation in such conferences in the future. He described their attendance at the talks last month as a major accomplishment, allowing them to raise awareness about the issues they are facing and share the needs of their people with the world. The Afghan delegation had the opportunity to meet with 19 different organizations and governments, including delegations from Russia, Qatar, Azerbaijan, and Bangladesh.
Despite minimal emissions, Afghanistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of global warming. The Taliban government has argued that their political isolation should not prevent them from participating in international climate talks. However, their strict implementation of sharia Islamic law, which severely restricts women’s participation in public life, has been criticized by the United Nations as a form of “gender apartheid.” As one of the poorest countries in the world, Afghanistan is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, such as prolonged droughts, frequent floods, and declining agricultural productivity.
The United Nations has called for action to help Afghanistan build resilience and for the country’s inclusion in international talks. Developed countries have committed to providing $100 billion per year in climate finance until 2025 to assist developing nations in preparing for the worsening effects of climate change and transitioning to more sustainable economies. It is crucial for Afghanistan to be a part of these discussions and receive support, as they face significant challenges in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
In conclusion, Afghanistan’s participation in COP29 was a significant step towards addressing the country’s vulnerability to climate change. It is essential for Afghanistan to be included in future global climate talks and receive support from developed nations to build resilience and mitigate the effects of climate change. As the world continues to face the consequences of global warming, it is crucial for all nations, regardless of their political situation, to come together and work towards a sustainable future.