UN: One-Third of Afghans to Live in Cities by 2026
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has announced that by 2026, approximately one in three people in Afghanistan will be living in urban areas. In a statement released on Wednesday, November 18, the UN-affiliated body warned that many cities are currently not equipped to handle the rapid pace of urbanization.
The statement noted that unplanned urban expansion could negatively affect the quality of life for residents. Authorities in various countries, including Afghanistan, must develop proper infrastructure, adequate public services, and safe living environments to respond to this major demographic shift.
UN-Habitat emphasized that “by prioritizing the development of safe and adequate living environments, we can build cities where everyone enjoys a dignified quality of life.” According to the statement, providing essential urban services such as housing, clean drinking water, sanitation systems, transportation, and education plays a critical role in the sustainable management of urban growth.
In Afghanistan, particularly in Kabul and other major cities, rapid population growth combined with the Taliban administration’s lack of focus on urban planning has led to increased issues such as homelessness, environmental pollution, and shortages in social services.
Urban development experts warn that continued neglect of basic urban needs could result in deeper social and economic crises in the future.
