What's happened
The Taliban is participating in the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, amid global concerns over climate change and the group's oppressive policies in Afghanistan. The conference highlights the urgent need for climate action, especially as the US faces potential withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under President-elect Donald Trump.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Arpan Rai in The Independent, the Taliban's attendance at COP29 is significant as it reflects the group's attempt to engage with the international community despite its controversial governance. Rai notes that the Taliban's foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed their participation, emphasizing the need for climate action in Afghanistan, which has been severely impacted by climate emergencies. Meanwhile, Holly Patrick highlights concerns over the potential US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under President-elect Donald Trump, which could undermine global climate efforts. This backdrop of political tension adds complexity to the discussions at COP29, as world leaders navigate the challenges posed by unrecognized regimes like the Taliban while addressing urgent climate issues.
How we got here
The COP29 conference commenced on November 11, 2024, focusing on climate finance and emissions reduction. The Taliban's attendance marks its first appearance at such a forum since taking control of Afghanistan in 2021, despite its government not being recognized by the UN.
More on these topics
-
The Taliban or Taleban, who refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, are a Sunni Islamic fundamentalist political movement and military organization in Afghanistan currently waging war within that country.
-
Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.
-
Azerbaijan, officially the Republic of Azerbaijan, is a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, it is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, A
-
Herāt is the third-largest city of Afghanistan. In 2020, it had an estimated population of 574,276, and serves as the capital of Herat Province, situated in the fertile valley of the Hari River in the western part of the country.
-
Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
-
The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, serving as the main deliberative, policy-making, and representative organ of the UN.
-
Mary Louise "Meryl" Streep is an American actress. Often described as the "best actress of her generation", Streep is particularly known for her versatility and accents. Nominated for a record 21 Academy Awards, she has won three.
-
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.