UN, South Korea launch $10 million plan to revive Afghan livelihoods

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with South Korea, has launched a $10 million initiative to support 350,000 Afghans through job creation, climate resilience, and livelihood restoration across six provinces.

Announced on Wednesday, the project comes at a time when Afghanistan faces deepening food insecurity, environmental collapse, and rising unemployment. The initiative focuses on communities most affected by conflict and poverty, aiming to restore dignity through work and build long-term resilience.

The program includes cash-for-work opportunities to repair critical infrastructure—such as irrigation canals, damaged roads, and protective flood walls. More than 35,000 trees will be planted to help regenerate fragile ecosystems and protect against future climate shocks.

To prepare rural communities for harsh winters, the initiative will also construct emergency greenhouses and food storage units. Afghan farmers, including women, will receive training in climate-smart agricultural practices—ensuring both immediate food security and sustainable growth. These interventions are expected to create thousands of jobs and strengthen local economies from the ground up.

UNDP emphasized that the project is not simply a response to crisis, but a step toward long-term empowerment. The approach centers Afghan communities and ensures that development efforts reach those most often left behind—especially women and the rural poor.

South Korea’s support reflects growing efforts by regional partners to invest in inclusive development in Afghanistan—without political preconditions. The focus is squarely on people, their livelihoods, and their right to survive with dignity.