UNESCO and the way forward in Afghanistan

UNESCO, operating as a specialized UN agency, is primarily engaged in providing technical and advisory support on a global scale, a characteristic that is clearly reflected in its work within Afghanistan. 

The financing of UNESCO's initiatives in Afghanistan predominantly comes from international sources and UNESCO's own financial resources. UNESCO remains firmly committed to maintaining its presence in Afghanistan, with the principal goal of offering substantial support to the Afghan population in areas that fall under UNESCO's expertise, as requested.

Practical examples of UNESCO's ongoing work in Afghanistan include:

1. To support the access to information and the preservation of the freedom of press and expression; promote the safety of journalists and those working in the media; 
2. To set concrete foundations for the removal from the List of World Heritage in Danger of the World Heritage Sites of Bamiyan and Jam; to provide support in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural objects and the protection of cultural heritage in armed conflict; to identify, document and promote Afghanistan’s intangible heritage, and more generally to foster a cultural environment rich in diversity and dialogue, where heritage serves as a bridge between generations and peoples, and culture actively contributes to the economic development of the country;
3. To help Afghanistan achieve internationally agreed development goals in education, such as Education 2030 and SDG 4 through sector-wide education policy and planning, data, monitoring and statistics, support to curriculum and teacher professional development for general, youth, and adult basic and higher education and providing access to literacy and non-formal education.