Afghanistan is stepping up calls for international climate support as NEPA chief Mawlawi Matiulhaq Khalis leads talks on rising food insecurity and water shortages, warning of severe environmental threats including Kabul’s looming groundwater crisis.
A high-level Afghan delegation from the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), led by General Director Mawlawi Matiulhaq Khalis, engaged in critical climate discussions this week, focusing on the escalating risks of food insecurity driven by environmental degradation. The technical forum brought together policymakers and experts to assess the impact of global warming, erratic rainfall, and declining agricultural productivity, with particular emphasis on the threats of desertification and land degradation. Key solutions proposed included sustainable farming practices, climate-resilient technologies, and increased funding for environmental initiatives, with participants stressing the need for stronger scientific collaboration and multilateral coordination.
On the sidelines of the 11th International Congress in Novosibirsk, the NEPA delegation held talks with Azerbaijan’s COP29 President and the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Climate Issues, Mukhtar Babayev, who praised Afghanistan’s active role in regional climate efforts. Director Khalis thanked Azerbaijan for its support, including Afghanistan’s inclusion in the COP29 Conference, and sought backing for participation in the upcoming COP30 summit in Brazil, as well as joint capacity-building programs. Minister Babayev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to environmental cooperation, pledging support for Afghanistan’s engagement in global forums and institutional partnerships.
Meanwhile, a recent report by The Japan Times has issued a dire warning about Kabul’s rapidly depleting water resources, projecting that the city’s groundwater could vanish entirely by 2030 without immediate intervention. The report highlights a combination of population growth, inadequate infrastructure, and climate-driven rainfall reductions as primary drivers of the crisis. With 80% of groundwater reportedly contaminated and over 100,000 unregulated wells exacerbating over-extraction, experts estimate an annual deficit of 76 million cubic meters. While recharge remains possible, current consumption far outpaces natural replenishment.
In response, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Energy and Water has proposed a $300–400 million project to divert water from the Panjshir River to Kabul, a plan still in search of funding. As Afghanistan navigates these compounding environmental challenges, NEPA’s diplomatic efforts and international warnings underscore the pressing need for global cooperation to mitigate the deepening climate crisis.
Israel’s sweeping surprise attack on Iran last week marked a major escalation in tensions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring it had “struck at the head of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Ukraine “will have to understand and accept” the post-war realities, as Moscow signals openness to a third round of peace negotiations with Kyiv.
Israel has confirmed it carried out airstrikes on Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
European foreign ministers are set to meet Iran’s top diplomat in Geneva for urgent nuclear talks amid growing fears that the Israel-Iran conflict could spiral into a broader regional war.
Israel is reportedly pressuring the United States to use its most powerful non-nuclear weapon—the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—in a strike against Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, as tensions mount in the Middle East.
Israel’s sweeping surprise attack on Iran last week marked a major escalation in tensions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring it had “struck at the head of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Ukraine “will have to understand and accept” the post-war realities, as Moscow signals openness to a third round of peace negotiations with Kyiv.
Israel has confirmed it carried out airstrikes on Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
European foreign ministers are set to meet Iran’s top diplomat in Geneva for urgent nuclear talks amid growing fears that the Israel-Iran conflict could spiral into a broader regional war.
Israel is reportedly pressuring the United States to use its most powerful non-nuclear weapon—the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—in a strike against Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, as tensions mount in the Middle East.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Israel’s sweeping surprise attack on Iran last week marked a major escalation in tensions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring it had “struck at the head of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program.”
Israel is reportedly pressuring the United States to use its most powerful non-nuclear weapon—the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—in a strike against Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, as tensions mount in the Middle East.
Uzbekistan’s economic performance has remained strong, with robust growth, narrowing consolidated fiscal and current account deficits, and ample international reserves, stated the International Monetary Fund following to the 2025 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Israel’s main hospital in the south sustained a direct missile strike on Thursday amid escalating hostilities with Iran, causing extensive damage and prompting urgent warnings from health officials.
The critical importance of the strong cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan at both regional and global levels has been highlighted and appreciated in Ankara.
Israel’s sweeping surprise attack on Iran last week marked a major escalation in tensions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring it had “struck at the head of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Ukraine “will have to understand and accept” the post-war realities, as Moscow signals openness to a third round of peace negotiations with Kyiv.
Israel has confirmed it carried out airstrikes on Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
European foreign ministers are set to meet Iran’s top diplomat in Geneva for urgent nuclear talks amid growing fears that the Israel-Iran conflict could spiral into a broader regional war.
Israel is reportedly pressuring the United States to use its most powerful non-nuclear weapon—the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—in a strike against Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, as tensions mount in the Middle East.
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