OUR FOCUS

Afghanistan and UNDP in action

Integrated development solutions driven by country priorities and UNDP’s new Strategic Plan.

Our Strategic Plan 2022-2025 introduces the evolution of #NextGenUNDP into #FutureSmartUNDP. More than a mantra, it is our new benchmark for success in the future of development. Building on UNDP’s 50 years of expertise across 170 countries, this new approach allows us to focus and prioritize where country demands are greatest. By working together in this way, we aim to expand people’s choices for a fairer, sustainable future, with people and planet in balance.

 

Our work

See how our integrated signature solutions – powered by digitalization, innovation and development financing – are accelerating impact and scale in Afghanistan:

 

Focus Area
Poverty and inequality

UNDP estimates that 69 percent of Afghans are multi-dimensionally poor, lacking access to basic items and income. The economy has also contracted significantly since 2020, and the humanitarian and political crises have worsened the situation. UNDP works to improve the economic recovery by supporting farmers, enterprises, private sector associations, value chains and the financial system. UNDP's approach is bottom-up, aiming to rebuild business confidence, revitalize the private sector and fuel economic activity.
Focus Area
Governance

Governance is the bedrock in Afghanistan’s path towards sustainable development, peace, and stability. UNDP remains steadfast in its mission to support the Afghan people by strengthening community resilience, fostering social cohesion, and safeguarding right – based access to justice and human security.
Focus Area
Resilience

Afghanistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to both man-made and natural crisis and disaster risk. UNDP in Afghanistan is at the forefront of advocating this need, customise and implement integrated and durable response and solutions to prevent, mitigate and respond to multi-dimensional risks and shocks applying the resilience lens.

Focus Area
Environment

Afghanistan is one of the most climate-vulnerable and disaster-prone countries in the world, with low readiness and capacity to cope. Drought, flood, extreme temperature, and earthquake affect millions of people and cause huge economic losses. Environmental degradation and socio-economic hardship worsen the situation. UNDP works to reduce the negative impacts of climate change and natural disasters, and to support resilience and sustainable development in Afghanistan. UNDP's programmes under Environment cover five areas: climate and disaster risk management, climate resilience, energy and infrastructure, water and ecosystems, and policy and knowledge.
Focus Area
Energy

Afghanistan suffers from energy poverty, with 60% of the population lacking access to the national grid and relying on costly and inefficient diesel generators. The country imports most of its electricity and fuel, but the supply is unreliable and insufficient to meet the demand. UNDP works to improve the energy sector by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in public facilities, small businesses, farmers and daily utilities. UNDP supports the development of the renewable energy market through direct support to the private sector and policy work.
Focus Area
Gender equality

Gender equality is a key focus area for UNDP in Afghanistan, as the country faces severe restrictions and challenges in ensuring women's rights, protection, and participation. UNDP responds to the situation by supporting the re-establishment of essential services and socio-economic recovery for both women and men. UNDP also works to enhance women's meaningful participation at all levels of the socio-economic system, prevent discrimination and violence, and empower women and girls to contribute to their communities and society. UNDP's approach covers various dimensions, such as economic, educational, health, legal, environmental and social.
Focus Area
Innovation and Digitalization

In Afghanistan, where access to high-speed internet, digital literacy, and standardized digital platforms are limited, especially in remote areas. These challenges hinder the adoption of digital technologies and the development of the digital ecosystem in the country. UNDP supports the Afghan people by integrating digitalization and innovation into its programming, enhancing livelihoods and employment opportunities. UNDP also champions digital payments, digital skills, digital startups, digital capacity-building, and digital innovations as tools to reach and support the most vulnerable segments of the population and to advance the financial sector in the country.