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Looking back at the past three years, the trajectory of assistance to Afghanistan highlights the immense adaptability and unwavering commitment of aid partners towards the Afghan people. Despite complex challenges, our collective effort—supported by generous donor contributions and the steadfast engagement of International Financial Institutions (IFIs)—have remained focused on addressing urgent needs while laying the groundwork for long-term resilience and stability. In 2022, aid partners mobilized over US$3 billion in humanitarian assistance to stabilize the country and meet critical needs. The adoption of the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) in 2023 marked a pivotal shift towards a more strategic approach, enabling a gradual transition from emergency relief to sustainable solutions that address the root causes of vulnerability.
Building on this foundation, in 2024, we championed a joined-up approach among UN agencies, funds, and programmes (AFPs) and our partners. This integrated coordination model strengthens the linkages between humanitarian assistance, basic human needs, and peace efforts. By enhancing operational coordination and advancing strategic initiatives, we have sought to complement political engagement efforts, including the Doha Process. As part of this endeavour, we expanded targeted consultations with donor partners, IFIs, relevant de facto authorities (DFA), civil society, the private sector—including women-led Micro-, Small, and Medium- Enterprises (MSMEs)—and think tanks.
Our strategic direction aligns with the recommendations of the Special Coordinator’s Independent Assessment, UN Security Council Resolution 2721, the Afghanistan Coordination Group (ACG) Framework, the UNSFA, and the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP). These guiding frameworks reinforce our commitment to a principled, needs-based, and sustainable approach to assistance. Our interventions not only address immediate humanitarian and basic human needs but also complement the ongoing Doha Process by fostering dialogue, stability, and mutual understanding.
In 2024, I visited 13 provinces to build trust, assess ground realities, and engage directly with communities, key stakeholders, and the DFA. These visits have been instrumental in shaping our interventions and ensuring that our work remains informed by the needs and aspirations of the Afghan people.
Stories like Meryem, a female entrepreneur who returned from Pakistan to establish a successful clothing business in Kabul; Sumaya the young girl in Herat, determined to continue her education while scaling up her tailoring company with a grant; and community elders championing literacy classes for women showcase the tangible impact of our collective efforts. Similarly, flood protection walls funded through the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan have safeguarded lives and livelihoods, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in resilience-building measures.
None of these achievements would be possible without the extraordinary generosity of donor partners and the critical support of IFIs. Their unwavering commitment has enabled us to implement impactful programmes that not only meet immediate needs but also foster long-term economic stability and social resilience.
As we look ahead, I invite all partners to reaffirm our shared commitment to sustaining the minimum investment necessary to strengthen the resilience of Afghans. By continuing our collaboration, we can ensure that Afghanistan remains on a path towards stability, dignity, and self-reliance for all its people.
Indrika Ratwatte
Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC)