The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has warned that Afghanistan’s newly launched National Development Strategy (ANDS 2025–2030) is unlikely to achieve its goals unless deep structural challenges are urgently addressed.

In an analysis of the first national development plan introduced since the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) returned to power in 2021, UNDP said the strategy provides an important framework for allocating scarce domestic resources in the absence of international aid.

The plan targets 3–5 percent annual economic growth, a 10 percent rise in exports, $5 billion in foreign investment by 2030, and expanded infrastructure, energy and extractive industries.

However, UNDP cautioned that overlapping crises—including lack of international recognition, a severe humanitarian situation, mass returnees and climate shocks—pose serious risks to implementation.

The agency highlighted two critical constraints: restrictions on women and energy shortages.

It noted that bans on girls’ education and limits on women’s work and mobility have slashed female economic participation, making growth and shared prosperity unattainable.

It also warned that acute energy insecurity—current electricity supply is just 0.7 gigawatts against demand of five—continues to undermine industrial development.

UNDP concluded that without reversing restrictions on women and closing the energy gap, the strategy is likely to remain aspirational rather than transformative.

The IEA meanwhile has not yet commented on this report.

The United Nations Security Council has reported that it is expected to vote later this month on a draft resolution to extend the mandate of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which assists the 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee.

According to the report, the current mandate of the Monitoring Team is set to expire on February 17.

The 1988 Sanctions Committee is responsible for enforcing measures including an assets freeze, travel bans, and an arms embargo against individuals and groups associated with the Islamic Emirate.

The committee also manages the sanctions list, reviews exemption requests, and supports UN member states in implementing the sanctions regime through the Monitoring Team’s assessments, reports, and recommendations.

The anticipated vote comes as the Security Council continues to review the effectiveness and scope of international sanctions related to Afghanistan.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday that security risks in Central Asia and developments in Afghanistan are among the primary concerns for the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

The CSTO is a regional military alliance that includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Speaking in Moscow during a meeting with CSTO Secretary-General Taalatbek Masadykov, Lavrov described the region’s security challenges as “central” to the organization’s agenda.

“The problems that are currently among the central ones for the CSTO are new challenges and threats. I am referring to the situation in the Central Asian region of collective security, as well as everything related to what is happening in Afghanistan,” he said.

He praised Masadykov as “one of the leading experts” on Central Asian security, noting that his experience could enhance coordination and increase the effectiveness of allied actions.

Similar to NATO, the CSTO considers an attack on one member state as an attack on all.

Countries in the region have always expressed concern about security threats from Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate, however, has dismissed these concerns and assured that it will not allow Afghanistan’s soil to be used against another country.