The United Nations said it continued delivering critical support to millions of Afghans in 2025 despite declining global assistance, with funding for basic human needs rising for a third consecutive year.

According to the UN’s Afghanistan results report, funding under the Strategic Framework for Afghanistan 2023–2027 reached $1.7 billion last year, supporting essential services, livelihoods and recovery efforts across the country.

“Millions of Afghans were reached with essential services, economic opportunities, and livelihoods support,” said Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.

The UN said more than 34 million people received healthcare services, while over 4.6 million children were enrolled in public education with UN assistance. Around 45,000 long-term jobs were also created, with women accounting for more than half of those positions.

Despite these gains, Afghanistan continued to face significant challenges in 2025, including reduced humanitarian funding, large-scale population movements, and the impact of climate pressures and natural disasters. These factors placed increasing strain on households, markets and essential services.

The UN noted that Afghan communities demonstrated resilience, working alongside national and international partners to meet urgent needs while laying the groundwork for longer-term stability.

Coordination efforts remained key, with platforms such as the High-Level Coordination Forum enabling dialogue between international stakeholders and the country’s de facto authorities. The Afghanistan Coordination Group also played a central role in aligning donor funding with priority needs.

Looking ahead, the UN said sustained cooperation between national, regional and international partners would be critical to addressing ongoing challenges and supporting a more resilient future for Afghanistan.

Residents of Kabul are grappling with a worsening water shortage, as falling groundwater levels, rapid population growth and climate pressures push the Afghan capital toward a looming humanitarian crisis.

In poorer neighbourhoods such as Deh Mazang, access to clean water has become a daily struggle. Many residents rely on distant wells or must purchase water delivered by small tankers — an expense that is increasingly out of reach.

“We have no money for food. How can we get water?” said one elderly resident, reflecting growing frustration among communities forced to carry heavy containers across long distances.

Groundwater depletion accelerates

Kabul, situated in the Hindu Kush, depends heavily on groundwater extracted from wells. But years of overuse have caused water levels to drop sharply, with some wells now drilled as deep as 150 metres.

A 2025 report by Mercy Corps found that aquifer levels in the city have fallen by as much as 25 to 30 metres over the past decade, raising concerns that current supplies may soon become unsustainable.

Experts warn that without urgent intervention, Kabul could face severe water shortages within years.

Climate and urban growth worsen shortages

Climate change has intensified the crisis as reduced snowfall and recurring droughts have limited the natural replenishment of groundwater, while heavier, short bursts of rain often lead to flooding rather than absorption into the soil.

At the same time, Kabul’s population has surged dramatically — from around 2.5 million in 2001 to an estimated 6 million today — placing unprecedented strain on already limited resources.

According to water management specialist Najibullah Sadid, the crisis was inevitable even without climate change due to rapid urbanisation and population growth. In many areas, shallow aquifers have already run dry, and expanding urban infrastructure has reduced the land available for water to seep back underground.

Mismanagement and overuse add pressure

Water mismanagement has further compounded the problem. Large-scale users, including commercial enterprises, have been criticised for excessive groundwater extraction, worsening depletion.

Officials acknowledge the severity of the situation and a spokesperson for the Ministry of Water and Energy described Kabul’s water supply as “critical,” citing population growth, declining rainfall and rising consumption as key drivers.

Authorities have introduced restrictions on groundwater use, including quotas for businesses and monitoring systems aimed at limiting excessive consumption.

Infrastructure projects fall short

Efforts to address the crisis include the construction of small check dams and absorption wells to help recharge groundwater, as well as upgrades to existing infrastructure such as the Shah wa Arous and Qargha dams.

However, experts say these measures are insufficient without major long-term investments.

Two key projects — a pipeline from the Panjshir River and the long-planned Shah Toot Dam — could significantly ease shortages by supplying water to millions. But both have been delayed due to funding and planning challenges.

Analysts warn however that without prioritising water infrastructure, Kabul risks a severe crisis that could affect millions of residents.

“Water is essential,” Sadid said. “It is more important than roads.”

As the city continues to expand and climate pressures intensify, the gap between supply and demand is widening — leaving many residents struggling daily for one of life’s most basic necessities.

Regional experts and policymakers have underscored the growing importance of the Central Asia-Afghanistan Consultative Dialogue in strengthening cooperation, during a roundtable held in Tashkent.

The discussion, hosted by the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA), brought together representatives from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, including diplomats, think tanks and leading regional experts. The event was organised by Afghanistan’s Center for Strategic Studies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Participants focused on the future direction of the consultative dialogue and its role in promoting bilateral ties and broader regional cooperation.

IICA Director Javlon Vakhabov welcomed the recent launch of the dialogue in Kabul, describing it as a significant step toward building constructive and pragmatic engagement between Afghanistan and Central Asian states. He emphasised the role of research institutions in supporting political processes with expert analysis and practical policy recommendations.

Meanwhile, Abdul Hai Qanit, Director of Afghanistan’s Center for Strategic Studies, highlighted the contribution of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in advancing regional cooperation. He pointed to Tashkent’s economic-focused approach as a catalyst for more pragmatic and results-driven engagement with Afghanistan.

The roundtable concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation, enhancing expert-level dialogue and pursuing joint initiatives aimed at boosting regional connectivity and development.

The Central Asia–Afghanistan Consultative Dialogue is increasingly seen as a key platform for fostering stability and economic integration in the region.