AGP Executive Report

Herat Urban Planning: Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate approved a comprehensive master plan for Herat city, aiming for “sustainable growth” with new zoning, a planned new city on 50,000 jeribs, road expansion, industrial/logistics zones, traffic relief, green spaces, and upgrades to water supply and sewage networks. Water & Food Security Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Afghanistan agreed to set up a Kabul-based education and research center on water resource management, irrigation, and sustainable agriculture, with Kazakh universities supporting training, joint research, and modern solutions for water security and climate adaptation. Regional Water Governance: A separate Kazakh-Afghan initiative also points to a joint water resources management center in Kabul, underlining shared pressure from climate and food insecurity. Clean Water Needs: UN reporting highlights that 16 million people in Afghanistan still need clean water and sanitation support, keeping water access at the top of the environmental and public health agenda. Climate Risk to Children: UNICEF warns worsening climate change is increasing child malnutrition risks in Afghanistan, linking environmental stress directly to nutrition outcomes. Local Industry & Livelihoods: Bamyan says 32 production facilities have started operations since 2021, including carpet weaving, detergent production, and dairy processing—small steps that can reduce pressure on households while supporting more resilient local economies. EU-Taliban Deportation Talks: Brussels opened dialogue with Taliban-linked officials behind closed doors, expected to focus on deportations—an issue with major knock-on effects for displacement pressures and humanitarian conditions.

Water Crisis in Afghanistan: OCHA warns 16 million people (about one in three) need clean water and sanitation in 2026 as drought, weak infrastructure, and climate change drive disease risk and food insecurity, with residents in Bamyan saying life is “becoming impossible” without drinking water. Humanitarian Funding Gap: OCHA also says Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation is worsening, with nearly 22 million people needing help and the UN’s $1.7bn appeal only 14% funded, leaving remote areas “becoming impossible.” Regional Water Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Kabul sign an agreement to set up a water resources management and irrigation center at Kabul University, aiming at water security, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and environmental monitoring. Climate Pressure on Food Security: UNICEF highlights worsening climate risks for children’s food vulnerability in Afghanistan. Agriculture Under Threat: Experts warn soil erosion is growing and threatens Afghanistan’s agricultural land. Health & Resilience: Rotary’s president-elect points to Afghanistan’s use of needle-free jet injectors to vaccinate children in hard-to-reach communities, as polio funding pressures rise. Local Industry Boost: Bamyan reports 32 production facilities operating since 2021, creating jobs in carpets, handicrafts, detergents, and dairy. Mining for Infrastructure: Afghanistan signs a milestone mining lease for the Aybak Cement project in Samangan, targeting local cement minerals to cut imports and support infrastructure.

Water Crisis: OCHA says about 16 million people in Afghanistan need clean water and sanitation help in 2026, as drought, weak infrastructure, and climate change push families to unsafe sources and raise disease risks. Climate & Food Security: UNICEF warns climate-related risks are worsening food vulnerability for children, with drought, floods, and extreme heat straining water and food systems. Humanitarian Funding Gap: OCHA also reports Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation is worsening, with nearly 22 million people needing aid while the UN appeal is only 14% funded—making life “becoming impossible” in remote areas. Women’s Recreation Restrictions: Reports from Kabul say Taliban bans women from recreation spaces like Qargha, deepening isolation for families during summer heat. Regional Engagement: Kazakhstan delivered about 318.8 tons of aid and medical support to Afghanistan after March floods, linking humanitarian relief with trade and cooperation talks. Environment & Development: Afghanistan signed a milestone mining lease for the Aybak Cement project in Samangan, aiming to cut reliance on imported construction materials. Public Health: Rotary’s president-elect says polio eradication efforts in Afghanistan are using needle-free jet injectors, but global funding pressure remains a concern.

Climate & Food Security: UNICEF says climate risks are worsening food vulnerability among Afghan children, as drought, floods, and extreme heat strain food systems and reduce access to water, with gaps in vaccination and healthcare adding pressure. Soil & Farming Threat: Experts warn soil erosion is accelerating across Afghanistan—linked to climate change, reduced vegetation, deforestation, and heavy rainfall—threatening fertile topsoil, raising flood/drought impacts, and increasing long-term desertification risk. Health Access & Polio: Rotary President-elect Olayinka Babalola says polio eradication will continue despite funding pressure, pointing to Afghanistan’s use of needle-free jet injectors to reach children in hard-to-reach, vaccine-resistant communities. Displacement & Aid: Qatar reports it provided over $68 million in humanitarian support in 2025 for refugees and internally displaced people, including Afghans affected by armed violence and natural disasters. Regional Humanitarian Support: Kazakhstan sent nearly 319 tons of humanitarian and medical aid to Afghanistan, including medicines and a specialist healthcare team for consultations and training. Public Health Reminder: WHO reports two new polio cases in Afghanistan, bringing the 2026 total to six.

Climate & Food Security: UN agencies say El Niño could worsen droughts, floods, and storms, with a $202 million appeal to protect 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries, including Afghanistan, as food access faces fresh pressure. Refugees & Returnees: On World Refugee Day, UNHCR and UN partners urged stronger support for Afghan returnees as displacement from Iran and Pakistan strains housing, jobs, healthcare, and aid systems; Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated that safe, dignified return depends on a peaceful, stable Afghanistan. Humanitarian Aid (Regional): Kazakhstan launched a medical and humanitarian mission to Afghanistan, sending about 318.8 tons of supplies (including medicines and sugar) plus specialists for consultations and training. Urban Development (Ghazni): Work has started on a nearly 400 million afghani underground commercial market in Ghazni City, aiming to cut congestion and create hundreds of jobs. Local Environment/Community Note: Kabul teachers report forced school collections for principal events, a governance pressure that can undermine school morale and learning conditions.

World Refugee Day: UNHCR and UN partners urged stronger support for Afghan returnees and displaced families, warning that reintegration is straining shelter, jobs, healthcare and aid systems as returns from Pakistan and Iran continue. Humanitarian Pressure: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif said over 2.4 million Afghans have returned since Sept 2023, while UN agencies stress returns must be safe, voluntary and dignified. Climate & Food Security: FAO and WFP warned El Niño could worsen droughts, floods and storms, putting 8.8 million people in 22 countries at risk, including Afghanistan. Regional Aid & Trade: Kazakhstan sent 318.8 tons of medical and relief supplies to Afghanistan and opened/expanded cooperation talks, including a Kabul trade forum targeting higher Afghan exports. Governance & Rights: Reports highlighted forced money collection pressures on female teachers in Kabul schools and Taliban dress-code enforcement in Badakhshan, adding to everyday restrictions. Media Freedom: RSF said Afghanistan remains a top source of forced journalist exile since 2021, deepening the loss of independent reporting.

Climate Risk & Food Security: FAO and WFP say they need $202 million to protect 8.8 million people in 22 countries from El Niño-driven droughts, floods and storms, with Afghanistan among the most at-risk. Refugees & Return Pressure: On World Refugee Day, UNHCR and UN partners urge stronger support for Afghan returnees and displaced families, warning that reintegration is straining housing, jobs, healthcare and services as returns from Pakistan and Iran continue. Humanitarian Funding Gap: UN agencies also warn acute hunger could worsen in 13 hotspots between June and November, with Afghanistan flagged amid drought, high prices and conflict. Regional Cooperation: Central Asia–Afghanistan ties are entering a new phase, with political, transit and development cooperation gaining momentum; Kazakhstan also announced humanitarian aid and trade steps with Afghanistan. Governance & Daily Life: Reports highlight Taliban enforcement of dress rules (including burning “loose trousers”) and allegations that female teachers face forced money collection for school principals. Media Freedom: RSF says Afghanistan has become a major source of journalist exile, with hundreds leaving since 2021.

Refugee Reintegration & Disasters: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif urged an “economically stable” Afghanistan to enable dignified, sustainable reintegration of Afghan refugees on World Refugee Day, as returnees still face shelter and jobs gaps and are hit by shocks like the Nangarhar earthquake that destroyed homes and land. Women’s Rights & Accountability: A Geneva conference on Afghan women’s rights called for justice, accountability, and women’s meaningful participation in decisions about Afghanistan’s future, warning that without full rights and leadership, peace and stability can’t hold. Climate & Food Security: UN and aid agencies highlighted worsening climate pressures—drought, desertification, and extreme weather—alongside acute hunger risks, with reports warning millions of children face climate hazards and malnutrition. Cross-Border Security: Zalmay Khalilzad urged renewed Afghanistan–Pakistan dialogue after reports of strikes targeting ISIS-K sites, warning that rising tensions could deepen instability. Regional SDGs: Kazakhstan approved a UN regional SDG center for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, aiming to connect Afghanistan to regional development programs. Public Health: WHO reported two new polio cases in Afghanistan, bringing the 2026 total to six.

UN SDG Hub for Afghanistan: Kazakhstan has signed a law to establish a UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals in Almaty, with $3 million in annual support (2025–2029). The center is expected to strengthen regional coordination on climate resilience, inclusive growth, and humanitarian cooperation—potentially improving how Afghanistan connects to Central Asian UN programs. Climate Risk & Food Security: FAO and WFP launched a $202m anticipatory appeal to protect nearly 9 million people in 22 high-risk countries from El Niño-driven shocks. Afghanistan is among the places facing worsening hunger and extreme weather impacts. Women’s Rights Accountability in Geneva: Afghan women and international partners met in Geneva to push for stronger justice and accountability mechanisms for violations against women and girls in Afghanistan, urging meaningful inclusion in all future talks. Independent Media Under Pressure: Reporters Without Borders says 677 Afghan journalists were forced into exile between 2021 and 2025, nearly half of all cases RSF assisted globally—highlighting the deep collapse of independent media since the Taliban takeover. Kabul Noise Pollution: A new report spotlights noise pollution in Kabul and how Taliban indifference is stealing everyday peace.

Climate & Food Security: FAO and WFP launched a first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal for $202 million to protect about 8.8 million people in 22 high-risk countries from the looming El Niño, warning of drought, floods, and storms that could disrupt crops, pasture, and water. Public Health: WHO confirmed two new wild polio cases in Afghanistan, bringing 2026 totals to six, with virus also detected in environmental samples—a reminder that surveillance and safe sanitation remain critical. Urban Environment: Kabul residents complain about worsening noise pollution, blaming loudspeakers from street vendors and late-night firecrackers for harming sleep, mental health, and children’s education. Governance & Environment-Linked Impacts: The Taliban ordered a smartphone ban for officials and also halted plate distribution for right-hand drive vehicles, moves that could further disrupt daily mobility and local commerce. Humanitarian Pressure: UN agencies warn acute hunger will worsen in 13 hotspots, including Afghanistan, as conflict, funding cuts, and climate shocks combine.

El Niño Humanitarian Push: FAO and WFP have launched a $202 million anticipatory appeal to protect 8.8 million people in 22 high-risk countries from looming El Niño impacts, including drought, floods and storms—Afghanistan is listed among the most at-risk. Hunger Hotspots Worsen: UN agencies warn acute hunger will intensify in 13 hotspots, with Afghanistan named as one of the countries where conflict, funding gaps and climate shocks could push more people toward famine. Polio Alert in Afghanistan: WHO confirmed two new wild polio cases in Afghanistan (Kunar and Helmand), bringing 2026 totals to six and noting continued virus circulation in the environment. Return of Afghan Refugees: Afghanistan’s MoRR says 485 Afghan refugees were released from Pakistani prisons and returned this week, including families and people detained for lacking documents. Taliban Tech Crackdown: The Taliban ordered officials and members to stop using smartphones, with reports of devices being confiscated and destroyed. Water & Climate Pressure: UNAMA reports drought and desertification are threatening lives and food security, underscoring how climate stress is compounding Afghanistan’s humanitarian risks.

Climate & Land Degradation: UNAMA marks the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought warning that prolonged drought, desertification and water scarcity are hitting livelihoods and food security, with rangelands degraded and water resources under pressure. Child Climate Risk: UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Report says 41% of Afghan children face hazards like floods, droughts, heatwaves and sand/dust storms, with 1.7 million at risk from river flooding—raising acute malnutrition dangers. Hunger Hotspots: FAO and WFP warn acute hunger will worsen in 13 hotspots between June and November 2026, listing Afghanistan among countries at significant risk as conflict, funding cuts and climate shocks bite. Water Shortages (Regional): A new report highlights worsening water stress across Central Asia, with upstream “surplus” no longer able to send enough downstream—raising instability risks. Public Health (Polio): WHO reports two new wild polio cases in Afghanistan (Kunar and Helmand), bringing 2026 total to six, alongside positive environmental samples. Returnees & Jobs: In Kabul, officials and EU partners discussed integrating returnees into Afghanistan’s private sector via land, tax/customs exemptions, licensing and low-interest loans. Human Rights Documentation: Afghanistan Accountability Watch launched a Human Rights Violations Documentation Portal for secure submission of alleged abuse cases.

Climate Crisis for Afghan Children: UNICEF says 41% of Afghanistan’s children (about 8.8 million) face overlapping climate hazards like floods, drought, heatwaves, extreme heat, and sand-and-dust storms, with river flooding threatening 1.7+ million kids and malnutrition risks rising. Desertification & Water Stress: UNAMA marks World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought warning that prolonged drought, expanding desertification, and water scarcity are undermining livelihoods and food security, urging rangeland restoration and water protection. Polio Update: WHO reports two new wild poliovirus cases in Afghanistan (Kunar and Helmand), bringing 2026 totals to six, alongside ongoing environmental circulation detected through sewage testing. EU on Rights & Inclusion: The EU calls for an Afghan-led, inclusive political process with full participation of women and all sectors, while condemning Taliban restrictions on women and girls as potentially amounting to gender persecution. Education in the Heat: In Ghor’s Ferozkoh, residents of Kandiwal village are building a school after years of children studying outdoors, citing extreme heat and cold as drivers of illness. Mine Contamination Warning: A UN human rights report highlights how anti-personnel mines keep harming communities for decades, affecting health, education, food security, housing, and development.

Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF reports 8.8 million Afghan children (41%) face overlapping climate hazards—drought, heatwaves, floods and sand/dust storms—while acute malnutrition is worsening the crisis. Water Shortages in Bamyan: OCHA says drought and severe water scarcity in parts of Bamyan are forcing families to leave homes, with long-term displacement risks. UN Human Rights on Mines: A UN report warns anti-personnel mines keep damaging rights for decades, threatening life, health, education, food security and development long after conflicts end. UNAMA Mandate Update: After the UN Security Council extended UNAMA’s mission, the agency is set to coordinate humanitarian help, mediate dialogue, and report on civilian impacts of natural disasters. Regional Integration Push: UN and EU envoys met in Almaty, stressing Afghanistan’s full participation in regional economic processes, plus water management and climate cooperation. Afghan Think Tank Forum: Kabul hosted a regional forum where FM Muttaqi called for deeper research and scientific cooperation, including on climate and environmental challenges.

Humanitarian Nutrition Crisis: OCHA warns Afghanistan’s nutrition emergency is worsening fast, with 3.7 million children expected to face acute malnutrition in 2026 and wasting levels deteriorating in 26 of 34 provinces before the July–September peak. Aid Funding Pressure: UNICEF says its 2026 Afghanistan appeal is only 43% funded, leaving a $542 million shortfall as 22 million people need humanitarian help, including 11.6 million children. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF reports nearly all children worldwide face at least one climate hazard, with Afghanistan among countries where drought, heat and disaster risks intensify child vulnerability. Regional Environment & Water: EU and Central Asian envoys met in Almaty to discuss Afghanistan’s impact on regional security, including water management, climate change, and the push for transport and transit routes. Research & Connectivity: Afghanistan’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi urged deeper scientific and research cooperation among Afghanistan, Central Asia and Azerbaijan, linking regional stability to climate and environmental challenges. UN Leadership Update: UNAMA named Bruno Lemarquis as its new deputy head for humanitarian coordination in Kabul, tasked with coordinating UN agencies and humanitarian response.

Afghanistan Humanitarian & Rights: The UN Security Council unanimously extended UNAMA’s mandate for another year, until June 17, 2027, urging more international assistance as Afghanistan’s humanitarian and economic crisis deepens and calling out ongoing restrictions on women and girls. Women Under Taliban Crackdown: Reports from Herat describe women-led protests met with gunfire, detentions, and tighter security after arrests tied to enforced dress rules, underscoring how surveillance is reshaping public life. Climate & Water Security: A new analysis warns Afghanistan’s hydro-political “trap” is worsening as downstream dependence blocks unilateral water projects while domestic funding and technical gaps raise risks of inefficient systems and long-term ecological damage. Agriculture & Water Use: In Herat, about 2,500 hectares of pistachio orchards have been established, with experts saying the crop suits local climate and can help farmers earn more while using relatively less water. Regional Cooperation: China urged SCO members to back Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development, framing it as part of broader sustainable security and cooperation. Development Aid: Japan says it will fund $35m in Afghanistan development projects this year, including climate-change mitigation via check dams and improved water management. Environment Leadership: The Maldives will host a World Cleanup Day Leaders Academy Asia 2026 with participation listed from Afghanistan and other countries, focusing on waste reduction and community action.