The second day of the Afghanistan Coordination Group meeting has commenced in Istanbul, Turkey, with the participation of representatives from over 30 countries and international organizations. The meeting is focused on reviewing international priorities for aid to Afghanistan.
The session began on Wednesday, April 9, and continues today. It is hosted by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), with attendees including representatives from more than 30 countries, international aid agencies, NGOs, and technical offices of the United Nations, including UNAMA.
According to a statement released by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), participants of the two-day meeting are assessing the international community’s priorities for Afghanistan. This includes reviewing humanitarian projects, development programs, and strengthening the capacity to respond to ongoing crises in the country.
The primary aim of the meeting is to enhance cooperation and coordination among donor countries to effectively address Afghanistan’s humanitarian and development needs. UNAMA has emphasized that future programs must be designed and implemented based on the needs and priorities of the Afghan people, taking into account the country’s cultural and social context.
So far, no official and detailed report has been released by the United Nations or participating organizations regarding the proceedings of the meeting’s first day.
Before the meeting began, Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan, stated:
“If we want to help the people of Afghanistan break free from the cycle of poverty and suffering, we must continue to have the tools needed to address immediate needs while also laying the foundation for long-term progress and stability.”
During the meeting, topics such as support for women and girls, humanitarian protection, safeguarding essential services, and securing funding for humanitarian programs are also being discussed.
This meeting is taking place at a time when, according to a UNAMA statement, nearly 22.9 million people in Afghanistan will require humanitarian assistance in 2025. The United Nations has also warned that a reduction or suspension of international aid could worsen the humanitarian crisis in the country and jeopardize access to food, healthcare, and other basic necessities for millions.
