Conference in Kabul Addresses Climate Change Challenges Facing Afghanistan

KABUL(BNA): A conference was held in Kabul, bringing together officials from the Islamic Emirate, diplomats from various countries, representatives from United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and university professors to evaluate the outcomes of the recent COP29 international climate change conference.
The conference commenced with a comprehensive address from Mawlsvi Mati-Ul Haq Khalis, Director General of the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA). He emphasized that climate change is a global phenomenon requiring collaborative efforts to combat its devastating effects. Mawlavi Khalis urged the international community to assist Afghanistan in its climate change initiatives, warning that failure to do so would expose all countries to its adverse impacts.
During the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan delegation secured a pledge of $300 billion in annual aid for affected nations until 2035, which includes support for Afghanistan.
Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, highlighted Afghanistan’s historical suffering from invasions and the use of chemical weapons. He called on the international community, mainly those responsible for such adversities, to refrain from politicizing environmental issues and to extend unbiased support to Afghanistan in its climate change efforts.
The conference included an open discussion focusing on the Afghanistan delegation’s engagement in regional and international climate change meetings, as well as access to financial resources for climate initiatives.
Participants stressed the importance of raising public awareness regarding climate change, providing assistance to those affected by natural disasters, and implementing essential infrastructure projects.
At the conclusion of the event, Mawlavi Saaduddin Saeed, Deputy Director of Finance and Administration of the National Environmental Protection Agency, presented a nine-point resolution outlining the responsibilities of the Afghanistan government, the international community, the private sector, and citizens in addressing climate change.
Bakhtar