KANDAHAR – Youth from Afghanistan’s southern provinces gathered to engage in dialogue and craft a unified vision for the country’s future. Through open discussions and shared aspirations, they developed a manifesto outlining their hopes for stability, progress, and prosperity. The manifesto is intended as a framework for engaging with de facto authorities and the international community.

During a series of UNAMA-supported initiatives, young people from Helmand, Kandahar, Nimroz, Uruzgan, and Zabul provinces convened throughout the year to discuss their aspirations. These sustained dialogues culminated in creating a manifesto that reflects the dreams and challenges of Afghanistan’s youth. Despite facing significant hurdles such as high unemployment, the initiative highlights the commitment and determination of young Afghans to shape a more inclusive and hopeful future for everyone.

“Unfortunately, we feel unheard, sidelined, and disappointed, and we are losing hope,” shared one participant during an interaction with international representatives. “We don’t want to merely survive; we want the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the country’s development and future.”

Afghanistan has one of the youngest populations in the world. According to some estimates, three-quarters of the country’s population is below the age of 30. However, decades of conflict, instability, and underdevelopment have disproportionately affected the country’s youth—especially in rural areas. They continue to face severe challenges, including unemployment, illiteracy, poverty, and social exclusion, while many search for better opportunities abroad.

In an online interaction, UN Envoy Roza Otunbayeva praised the youth for their initiative and determination. She briefed them on current developments, including microfinance initiatives and the Doha political process. While the young participants acknowledged positive changes since August 2021, such as improved security and reduced poppy cultivation, they expressed concern over persistently high unemployment, limited access to education, a lack of basic human rights, and the far-reaching impacts of climate change.

The youth called for increased international support in key areas, including education, vocational training, employment opportunities, and women’s empowerment. They also urged inclusion in decision-making processes, such as the Doha Process and climate change discussions.

UNAMA’s Field office in Kandahar facilitated and supported these year-long dialogues, creating safe platforms for open discussions. UNAMA continues to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including youth groups, community leaders, women, and local media, to provide physical and digital spaces for Afghans to engage in meaningful conversations on the pressing issues facing their communities.