OUR FOCUS

Afghanistan and UNDP in action

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

The UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029 focuses on accelerating human development through four priorities: prosperity, governance, resilience, and a healthy planet, powered by digital transformation, gender equality, and sustainable finance. Grounded in human rights and national priorities, it emphasizes systemic change, partnerships, and operational efficiency to deliver results at scale.

Our work

Our work spans private sector development and job creation, access to basic infrastructure and services, climate and environmental action, disaster risk reduction and recovery, and the expansion of renewable energy. Together, these efforts empower women and youth, support micro, small and medium enterprises, protect natural resources, and ensure that communities can recover from crises while building a more stable and sustainable future.

Focus Area
Photograph of several people weaving on a loom with colorful yarns in a dim workshop.
Private Sector development and Job Creation

UNDP promotes a systemic, market-based approach to stimulate private sector growth and employment creation. By supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises, Afghanistan’s local entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, are empowered to become key agents of change. 

The programme focuses on expanding access to finance, including through credit guarantees, Islamic finance mechanisms, and community savings models. UNDP also helps connect Afghan enterprises with markets both nationally and internationally through trade fairs, training, and business linkages. 

Through advocacy and coordination, UNDP works closely with partners to create a more enabling business environment, improve confidence in the financial system, and ensure that local innovation and enterprise can flourish even in challenging conditions. 

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Desert valley with a narrow central stone canal, a dirt path to the left, and a distant walker.
Access to basic infrastructure and services

UNDP Afghanistan employs a targeted, communitydriven approach to enhance access to basic infrastructure and services. This has included rehabilitating or constructing essential community facilities: health centers, schools, housing, clean water, sanitation, and renewable energy solutions.

5.9 million people directly benefited from rehabilitated community infrastructure, such as schools and health facilities, water points and emergency shelters.

UNDP also supports healthcare. To date, 13.6 million Afghans received primary healthcare, including treatments for prevalent diseases (malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis) and benefitted from COVID-19 safety measures and vaccinations.

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Environment and climate change

Afghanistan faces growing environmental pressures from droughts and floods to deforestation and land degradation. UNDP supports national and local partners to build climate resilience and manage natural resources sustainably. 

 Its work includes promoting sustainable agriculture, reforestation, watershed management, and ecosystem restoration. Communities are supported to adopt climate-smart livelihoods and reduce disaster risks through early warning systems and community preparedness. 

UNDP also promotes a green economy through waste reduction, renewable energy, and circular economy initiatives, while strengthening policy dialogue and data-driven environmental decision-making to protect Afghanistan’s natural heritage for generations to come. 

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Construction workers in orange vests and helmets clear rubble on a dusty village street.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery

UNDP plays a leading role in early recovery and resilience-building following natural disasters and economic shocks. Through an integrated, area-based approach, communities receive support to recover from crises while preparing for future risks. 

This includes restoring essential services, rehabilitating community infrastructure, and supporting livelihood recovery through cash-for-work and micro-enterprise initiatives. Communities are engaged in disaster preparedness, planning, and risk reduction, ensuring that recovery efforts also build long-term resilience. 

UNDP’s crisis response is designed to safeguard dignity, strengthen self-reliance, and promote stability, while ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need through transparent and accountable systems. 

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Solar panel array on desert ground with a technician standing nearby.
Energy

UNDP views renewable energy as a foundation for sustainable development and recovery in Afghanistan. Access to clean and reliable energy enables hospitals, schools, and businesses to operate effectively while reducing dependence on costly and polluting fuel sources. 

By investing in solar and other renewable energy systems, UNDP helps communities, enterprises, and institutions power essential services and economic activities. Special attention is given to empowering women-led enterprises in the energy sector, ensuring their participation in renewable energy value chains and operations. 

 

These initiatives improve quality of life, promote green growth, reduce emissions, and open new opportunities for sustainable livelihoods across both rural and urban areas.