UN Reportedly Moves To Unlock Tens Of Millions In Climate Funding For Country Run By Terrorists

Agencies at the United Nations (U.N.) are attempting to unlock tens of millions in climate financing for Taliban-led Afghanistan, Reuters reported Wednesday.

Taliban representatives are currently taking part in the 2024 U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan, marking the first time the group has attended the summit since it took power over Afghanistan following the U.S.’ 2021 withdrawal. Now, U.N. agencies are reportedly drafting proposals to unseal nearly $50 million in financing for the Taliban-run country, with the stated aim of combating drought and flash floods, according to Reuters.

If approved, the aid would mark the first time Afghanistan has received environmental funding in three years, the outlet reported.

“We’re in conversations with the GEF, the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund — all these major climate financing bodies — to reopen the pipeline and get resources into the country, again,” Stephen Rodriques, U.N. Development Program resident representative for Afghanistan, told Reuters.

Since the Taliban is not recognized by U.N. member states, officials from the intergovernmental organization claim they would seek to avoid disbursing the funds to the terrorist group directly, and would instead serve as the on-the-ground partner executing the climate initiatives, Reuters reported. The funding proposals reportedly consist of $19 million from the U.N. Global Environment Facility, as well as an $8.9 million project and $20 million project from the U.N. Development Program.