Taliban Calls for Global Support to Address Afghanistan’s Environmental Challenges

DID Press: head of the Taliban-run National Environmental Protection Agency has called for increased international support to address Afghanistan’s environmental challenges, saying environmental issues have been politicized by the international community and that this has reduced financial assistance to the sector.

Matiul Haq Khalis, head of the National Environmental Protection Agency, made the remarks during a meeting with the deputy head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

Khalis said, according to the agency, that the international community had politicized Afghanistan’s environmental issues and was withholding financial support for environmental programs.

He also called for Afghan representatives to be allowed to participate in international meetings and programs related to the environment and climate change.

The UNAMA deputy head, meanwhile, stressed efforts to facilitate Afghanistan’s participation in international environmental meetings.

The request comes amid Afghanistan’s high vulnerability to climate change and limited access to international climate financing. UN officials have previously highlighted the country’s exposure to drought, flooding and other climate-related risks.

The National Environmental Protection Agency has also previously called for international support for Afghanistan’s participation in global climate forums, including the COP process.