Delegations from Afghanistan and approximately 30 other countries have arrived in Doha to commence a third round of United Nations-sponsored talks on integrating Afghanistan into the global community. This marks the Taliban's debut at these discussions. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, will lead the Afghan delegation, along with government officials responsible for banking, trade, and narcotics control from the Taliban. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will not be present; instead, Rosemary DiCarlo, undersecretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, will represent the UN. Qatar's special envoy to Afghanistan, Faisal bin Abdullah al-Hanzab, and the US special representatives for Afghanistan, Thomas West and Rina Amiri, will also be in attendance. The agenda includes focusing on Afghanistan's peace internally and externally, its integration into the international community, and adherence to international obligations, particularly human rights. The Taliban is keen on addressing financial and banking system restrictions, challenges hindering private sector growth, and combating drug trafficking. One of their demands is the release of about $7 billion of the country's central bank reserves frozen in the US, along with discussions on providing alternative livelihood sources for farmers post the opium cultivation ban. These talks do not imply official recognition for the Taliban, though the group views them as vital for Afghanistan's economy, trade relations, and handling its drug issues. The Doha meeting will deliberate on an independent assessment of the engagement with Afghanistan submitted to the UN Security Council. Although women have been excluded from the talks, several organizations have criticized this decision, stating it further silences Afghan women already facing rights violations. The discussions will not involve appointing a UN special representative for Afghanistan, unlike the previous meetings. Women's rights activists have expressed concerns over the ongoing restrictions on Afghan women and girls' education, employment, movement, and presence in public spaces since the return of the Taliban to power in 2021. The continued exclusion of women from such important dialogues raises significant apprehensions about their future participation and involvement in decision-making processes.