Taliban Government Protests Exclusion from Upcoming UN Climate Summit

The Taliban government has expressed disappointment over its exclusion from the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which opens Monday in Brazil, despite Afghanistan’s high vulnerability to the effects of climate change.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) voiced “deep concern” that the country was not invited to participate officially in the global climate summit.

The agency said the decision was unfair given Afghanistan’s exposure to severe environmental challenges, including drought, deforestation, and floods.

“Despite Afghanistan being one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, it has unfortunately not received an official invitation to attend COP30,” NEPA said.

“This exclusion deprives our nation of the opportunity to raise its voice on an issue that directly threatens the livelihood and survival of millions of Afghans.”

The 30th UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP30, is expected to bring together representatives from dozens of nations, global organizations, and environmental groups to discuss strategies for tackling the worsening climate crisis.

Afghanistan, which has been ravaged by decades of war and political instability, has also faced worsening environmental degradation. Scientists and aid agencies have warned that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and desertification threaten the livelihoods of millions in the country, most of whom depend on agriculture.

The Taliban-led government attended last year’s COP29 in Azerbaijan, but only as a guest of the host country not as a recognized participant in the negotiations. Afghanistan remains largely isolated from the international community since the Taliban took power in 2021, with Russia being the only major nation to formally recognize the regime.

Diplomatic observers note that Afghanistan’s continued exclusion from international forums such as the UN climate conferences reflects its uncertain political status and the refusal of most countries and institutions to engage officially with the Taliban authorities.

Despite this, NEPA said Afghanistan remains committed to addressing climate-related issues through local initiatives and cooperation with international environmental organizations.

The agency reiterated its call for “constructive engagement” from the global community, urging that climate action should transcend political differences to ensure that vulnerable nations like Afghanistan are not left behind.