Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy, has called for increased international engagement with the Taliban. During a UN Security Council meeting, Otunbayeva emphasized the potential for dialogue to express opposition and encourage positive change without legitimizing the Taliban. However, she highlighted concerns over the group's stance on women's and girls' rights, suggesting it could hinder international collaboration.

Otunbayeva stressed the importance of a lasting global understanding on Afghanistan and urged effective utilization of the Taliban's willingness to engage. The envoy also pointed out widespread human rights violations by the Taliban, including discrimination against women and girls, suppression of political opponents, and extrajudicial actions. Concerns about the humanitarian situation, terrorist threats, and the Taliban's rejection of a UN Special Peace Envoy were also addressed.