UNDP chief warns world against ignoring Afghanistan

Achim Steiner, head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has warned that the international community’s neglect of Afghanistan could have serious consequences for the world itself in the next five to 10 years.

He said Afghanistan is facing a set of complex crises at the same time, including a nearly 20% contraction in its economy, the effects of climate change and natural disasters, rising tensions with neighbouring countries, and the large-scale return of migrants.

According to the UNDP chief, nearly five million Afghans have returned to the country from Iran and Pakistan over the past year and a half, a trend that has placed further strain on the economy and public services.

Steiner also described the 95% decline in opium production in Afghanistan as “an important achievement” and stressed that the international community should not leave Afghanistan alone.