KABUL - Afghanistan is on the frontline of the global climate crisis. Ranked among the world’s most vulnerable and least prepared countries to manage climate impacts, communities are already experiencing severe consequences, including rising humanitarian needs and increasing displacement.
Against this backdrop, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), in partnership with Samuel Hall, an independent research and policy think-tank, convened a six-part webinar series in late 2025 to elevate Afghan voices, share evidence, and sustain momentum on climate action.
The series brought together Afghan experts, technical specialists, humanitarian and development practitioners, UN agencies, NGOs, and local stakeholders for inclusive, solutions-oriented discussions. It provided a key platform for dialogue at a time when Afghanistan remains largely absent from global climate forums.
Discussions highlighted the scale and urgency of climate impacts in the country, and priorities for action.
Nearly 70 per cent of Afghans depend on climate-sensitive agriculture for their livelihoods, while millions face increasing food insecurity. A changing water cycle is intensifying water scarcity nationwide, and urban centres such as Kabul are confronting severe groundwater depletion. Meanwhile increasingly unpredictable seasonal flooding destroys lives, homes, and assets in an increasingly vicious cycle.
Participants also highlighted climate-related displacement trends, noting that a significant proportion of internal displacement is linked to environmental shocks, while many cross-border movements are driven by climate impacts on livelihoods.
Across six sessions, participants examined key themes, including humanitarian impacts of climate change, water resource management, the roles of women, youth and children, links between climate change and livelihoods, climate finance, and the intersection of climate impacts with peace and security.
The discussions underscored both the complexity of the challenges and the depth of local commitment and expertise available to support responses.
The webinar series is accompanied by summary notes and recordings that capture key insights, evidence, and practical recommendations.
These resources provide guidance for policymakers, practitioners, donors, and researchers, highlighting entry points for programming and areas requiring further collaboration and investment.
UNAMA, mandated by the United Nations Security Council to support Afghanistan’s resilience and social and economic stabilization, emphasized that addressing Afghanistan’s climate challenges requires sustained, collective, and evidence-based action grounded in the realities of affected communities.
Webinar materials include:
