Stanikzai Stresses Depoliticizing Climate Change Issues
Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the deputy political minister of foreign affairs, speaking during the National Climate Change Conference held on Wednesday, called on the global community not to politicize climate change issues.
The deputy minister also highlighted the harmful effects of chemical weapons used by certain countries in Afghanistan, emphasizing their detrimental impact on the country’s environment.
He stated, “These actions have not only harmed the people of Afghanistan but have also caused significant damage to Afghanistan’s agriculture, environment, roads, mines, and water resources.”
Stanikzai further called for the participation of the Islamic Emirate’s representatives in future COP meetings.
The National Climate Change Conference was held in Kabul with the presence of representatives from the Islamic Emirate, the United Nations, and several other countries.
The head of the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), Matiul Haq Khalis, stressed during the conference that climate change impacts not only the natural environment but also Afghanistan’s economy.
Khalis remarked, “Afghanistan is among the countries treated unjustly by the world, which disregards our rights.”
Abdul Latif Nazari, the deputy minister of economy, stated: “What is crucial in this regard is the lifting of sanctions and restrictions so that institutions and organizations can comprehensively cooperate with our agencies, including the National Environmental Protection Agency.”
Roza Otunbayeva, head of UNAMA, who also attended the conference, noted that Afghanistan is among the ten countries most vulnerable to climate change. She emphasized that women and children in the country are particularly affected. The UN Special Representative urged the interim government to update its climate change policy.
Otunbayeva said, “From the UNAMA side I commit to keeping climate change on the agenda. And to continue our advocacy and continuing efforts, we follow up on climate funding for Afghanistan.”
The deputy head of the UN Development Program, stated: “When there are natural disasters, it’s the women and the children who suffer the most so let’s also try to ensure that when we talk about climate adaptation, climate change, and climate strategies that we also encourage women’s participation in these initiatives.”
At the conclusion of the conference, a resolution was issued urging the international community to fulfill its commitments to combat climate change, provide financial assistance, and compensate Afghanistan for its losses.
