NEPA Chief Leads Delegation to Regional Ecological Summit in Kazakhstan

The head of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, Mawlawi Mati-ul-Haq Khalis, traveled to Astana, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday to lead a national delegation at a three-day regional ecological summit. The event, officially designated as the Regional Ecological Summit 2026, brings together environmental officials and experts to address pressing ecological challenges across the region.

According to statements from the National Environmental Protection Agency, the summit’s agenda centers on climate change mitigation, environmental protection, sustainable resource management, and pollution reduction. Afghanistan’s participation is intended to facilitate the exchange of technical expertise, highlight the country’s domestic environmental priorities, and conduct bilateral meetings with international counterparts.

The gathering will host delegates from neighboring countries alongside environmental specialists and representatives from various international organizations and United Nations agencies. Agency officials stated that the forum aims to strengthen regional coordination on shared ecological concerns, particularly regarding water and land management.

During the conference, the Afghan delegation will engage in expert discussions and policy dialogues designed to align national environmental strategies with broader regional frameworks. Agency representatives emphasized that the summit provides a platform to secure technical cooperation and share best practices for addressing climate-related vulnerabilities.

The National Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that the delegation’s itinerary includes scheduled bilateral meetings with international representatives and participation in panel discussions focused on sustainable development and ecological resilience. The summit is expected to conclude with cooperative agreements and joint statements on regional environmental initiatives.