Islamic Emirate Economy Minister Urges Sustained Aid at 2026 Development Framework Meeting

KABUL (Afghan Verified) — Din Mohammad Hanif, Afghanistan's economy minister for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, told a coordination meeting on the 2026 development framework with the United Nations, European Union and aid agencies that ongoing sanctions, frozen foreign reserves and reduced humanitarian assistance have severely impacted vulnerable populations.

Hanif said Afghanistan has faced major challenges since 2021, but the Islamic Emirate has largely preserved economic stability through prudent economic policies, focus on national priorities and implementation of numerous support and development programs. "Despite this situation, the Islamic Emirate has relied on measured economic policymaking and focus on national priorities to design and implement multiple support and development programs and projects," Hanif stated.

He highlighted the UN's important role in humanitarian aid, noting that over $1 billion in global assistance reached Afghanistan last year, with $590 million spent on projects. However, he said aid decreased in 2025 compared to 2024 and urged the UN to continue development cooperation, emphasizing that assistance must be sustained and not politicized. "We ask all heads and representatives of UN agencies and aid administrations to align their programs and projects for 2026 with Afghanistan's development strategy and increase their cooperation," Hanif added.

UN representatives affirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration and development projects. Andrika Ratwatte, deputy special representative of the UN secretary-general in Afghanistan, said: "Despite global financial challenges and crises from Gaza to Sudan and other conflicts, we will continue supporting and mobilizing resources for programs in Afghanistan for the benefit of its people."

Stephen Rodriguez, UNDP representative in Afghanistan, added: "Our 2026 programs are fully aligned with Afghanistan's national development strategy. They focus on improving the economic situation, reviving the private sector, creating livelihoods and jobs, developing infrastructure and basic services especially in rural areas, renewable energy, climate resilience, and support for youth and women."

The economy ministry emphasized that extensive facilities have been provided for aid organizations and that Afghanistan's economic growth is achievable with UN and international cooperation. The meeting also stressed balancing projects across provinces, reducing agencies' operational expenditures and aligning programs with Afghanistan's development strategy.