ISLAMABAD (AP) — Afghanistan’s Taliban officials have been invited and will attend the upcoming U.N. climate summit as observers. The summit starts next week in Antalya, Turkey. This marks their second attendance since returning to power in 2021. A Turkish and a Kabul official on Tuesday confirmed the Afghan Taliban’s observer status at the Conference of the Parties, or COP31. The Taliban are not formally recognized by U.N. member states, including because of the severe restrictions on women that they imposed. Afghanistan faces grave climate challenges, including drought and flooding. Critics argue against recognizing the Taliban government, while others emphasize the need for Afghan representation in climate discussions.

By Victoria Milko, Associated Press

Banner image: A girl carries jerrycans on a wheelbarrow after collecting water from a well at a mosque in Deh Mazang, Kabul, Afghanistan, April 2, 2026. Image courtesy of Siddiqullah Alizai via Associated Press