Sources in Geneva have told Afghanistan International that two Taliban officials were seen at the Meininger Hotel in the Swiss city and are expected to participate in a United Nations-related meeting focused on water cooperation.
According to the sources, the two individuals are affiliated with the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, their identities have not yet been officially confirmed.
The United Nations is scheduled to host the “Global Workshop on the Development, Revision and Renewal of Agreements and Other Arrangements for Transboundary Water Cooperation” in Geneva on June 22 and 23, 2026.
The event aims to explore ways of strengthening cooperation among countries that share water resources such as rivers, lakes and underground aquifers.
Organizers say discussions will focus on updating existing agreements, developing new cooperation frameworks, preventing water-related disputes and exchanging successful experiences in water diplomacy and resource management.
The workshop is expected to bring together government representatives, technical and legal experts, international organizations and institutions involved in water governance.
So far, organizers have not released an official list of participants.
Afghanistan International reported that it contacted the conference secretariat regarding the possible participation of an Afghan delegation but had not received a response at the time of publication.
The workshop forms part of broader United Nations efforts to encourage international cooperation on shared water resources and reduce the risk of disputes linked to transboundary water systems.
If confirmed, the attendance of Taliban representatives would mark another appearance by officials of the group at an international forum focused on technical and regional cooperation issues.
Neither the United Nations nor Taliban authorities have publicly commented on the reported presence of the officials in Geneva.
