Afghan environmental chief travels to Baku for World Urban Forum

Matiul Haq Khalis, Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, has travelled to Baku to attend the 13th World Urban Forum, where climate change and safer cities will be discussed.

The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) said Khalis left for Azerbaijan as the head of an Afghan delegation to take part in the forum, which is organised by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

NEPA said the gathering would bring together government officials, mayors, international organisations, climate experts and urban development agencies.

“The international forum, held under the theme ‘Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,’ is considered one of the world’s important urban and environmental gatherings,” the agency said.

The World Urban Forum is scheduled to take place from 17 to 22 May 2026 in Baku, according to UN-Habitat and the forum’s organisers.

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Afghanistan’s participation comes as the country faces increasing pressure from droughts, floods, earthquakes, landslides and weak urban infrastructure.

The World Bank says Afghanistan is highly prone to recurring natural hazards, while climate change threatens natural resources that many Afghans depend on for their livelihoods.

The forum could be important for Afghanistan as it looks for experience in urban planning, disaster preparedness, waste management and climate-resilient cities. Many Afghan cities have grown with limited planning, while poor housing and weak infrastructure make communities more vulnerable to extreme weather.

“The Afghan delegation is expected to take part in various sessions and technical discussions on climate change, urban environmental protection, sustainable development, waste management, green cities, prevention of air pollution, and urban resilience,” NEPA said.

NEPA said Khalis and his delegation would also meet international organisations, donor institutions and representatives of other countries to discuss environmental cooperation and technical support.

“The National Environmental Protection Agency considers participation in such international forums important for Afghanistan and believes it will be useful for exchanging international experiences, expanding climate and environmental cooperation, and addressing the country’s urban and environmental challenges,” the agency said. 

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