The Taliban will attend a U.N. climate conference for the first time
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Taliban Makes First Appearance at UN Climate Summit
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Above: Participants walk past a logo of COP29 on Nov. 11, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Image copyright: Laurent Thomet/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
The Taliban administration has sent officials from Afghanistan's National Environmental Protection Agency to attend the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan — marking their first participation in the global forum since taking control of Afghanistan.
Azerbaijan invited Afghan environmental agency officials as observers, allowing them to participate in peripheral discussions and potentially engage in bilateral meetings. However, they can't participate in full member-state proceedings.
The Spin
Narrative A
This is a crucial step toward addressing Afghanistan's pressing environmental challenges and engaging with the international community. Some countries, including China and Russia, have already been willing to foster diplomatic ties by inviting Taliban ministers to regional forums. This limited engagement could help address Afghanistan's severe climate vulnerabilities and humanitarian needs.
Narrative B
Allowing Taliban participation in international forums legitimizes a regime that systematically violates human rights and restricts fundamental freedoms. The ban on women's education and employment demonstrates the regime's continued defiance of international norms and standards. Diplomatic engagement should be contingent on concrete improvements in human rights conditions.
