Taliban Limited to Observer Status at UN Climate Conference in Baku

A diplomatic source revealed to The Independent that the Taliban has been invited as an observer to the UN climate change conference (COP29) in Baku. The group’s Environmental Protection Agency chief, Motiullah Khales, traveled with a delegation on Sunday, Nov 10.

While the Taliban can potentially participate in side meetings and bilateral discussions, they are barred from official member state meetings due to lack of international recognition. This limitation was confirmed by diplomatic sources, and a British government spokesperson stated that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has no plans to meet with Taliban representatives.

The conference primarily focuses on a trillion-dollar proposal from wealthy nations to support climate change projects in developing countries. Afghanistan, being one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, has recently faced deadly floods, earthquakes, and droughts, yet remains sidelined from major climate discussions due to the Taliban’s illegitimate governance.

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