Taliban seeks a seat at UN climate talks to raise Afghanistan's voice

In Baku, Afghanistan, the Taliban's governing body demanded representation at future U.N. global climate talks, following their recent participation at COP29. The Afghan delegation attended this conference for the first time since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021 after a violent takeover. Previously, they had been excluded from COP meetings held in Egypt and the UAE due to their controversial governance. Matiul Haq Khalis, the director of Afghanistan's National Environmental Protection Agency, expressed that their attendance was a significant accomplishment, allowing the country to highlight pressing issues faced by its citizens on the international stage. Khalis emphasized the necessity for Afghanistan to voice its needs at global forums, stating that yesterday's participation was crucial for advocating for national interests. The Taliban is now looking to be included in the climate finance commitments made during the summit, which amount to $100 billion yearly to combat climate change through 2025. The narrative surrounding the Taliban's connection to climate issues is complex; some reports have pointed to climate change as a contributing factor to their rise, noting how environmental conditions have led to financial distress among farmers, pushing them toward insurgency. Discussions of the Taliban's role in international climate discussions remain contentious, particularly due to their strict interpretation of Islamic law and past actions under their regime, which included numerous human rights violations. The topic of how environmental issues intertwine with socio-political unrest in Afghanistan continues to garner attention from various commentators, raising questions about the Taliban's genuine commitment to addressing climate change and improving conditions for Afghan citizens, especially women and girls who have been severely affected under their rule.