UN says aid to Afghans remained steady despite funding pressures in 2025

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.