15 January 2025, Kabul – The National Climate Change Conference, jointly organized by the Organization for Relief Development (ORD) and the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), successfully concluded at Kabul Star Hotel, marking a significant step forward in Afghanistan’s fight against climate change.
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ORD attended the concluding ceremony of NEPA capacity building program for their Provincial Directors
22 October 2025 – Kabul, Afghanistan:
The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), in collaboration with the REHA Organization, successfully concluded a four-day national training program focused on climate change adaptation and resilience. The closing ceremony marked a significant milestone in strengthening provincial capacity to address climate challenges across Afghanistan.
The event was attended by high-level representatives including Maulawi Matiulhaq Khalis, Director General of NEPA; Mr. Richard, Head of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Afghanistan; officials from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); and representatives from the Organization for Relief Development (ORD), Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC), The Liaison Office (TLO), and REHA Organization. These stakeholders formed a distinguished panel for strategic dialogue on climate action.
In his keynote address, Maulawi Khalis emphasized the urgency of coordinated efforts:
> “Climate change is a global challenge, and our country is not immune to its impacts. We must intensify our efforts and take practical steps across all environmental sectors.”
He encouraged NEPA’s provincial directors to apply the knowledge gained during the training and to carry out their responsibilities with integrity and precision.
Mr. Richard, Head of FAO Afghanistan, highlighted the growing threats posed by climate change to agriculture, water resources, and rural livelihoods. He praised the collaborative efforts of FAO and its implementing partners, particularly ORD, for delivering climate-resilient agricultural programs across the country.
> “ORD has proven to be a committed partner in advancing FAO’s mission. Their work with Afghan farmers is a model of climate-smart intervention,” he noted.
Representatives from UNDP and NAC outlined their upcoming climate initiatives and affirmed their commitment to expanding programming in Afghanistan. The ORD representative expressed gratitude to FAO for its long-standing support to farming communities in the south, southeast, and northern provinces. He shared that in 2025 alone, ORD and FAO jointly constructed thousands of water retention trenches and check dams, and distributed over 50,000 fruit saplings to local farmers—contributing to reforestation, water conservation, and food security.
Hafiz Asadullah Haroon, Director of the Institute of Civil Services, closed the ceremony by underscoring the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration:
“Addressing climate change requires more than government effort—it demands unified action from all institutions.”
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to all participants, recognizing their successful completion of the national training program.
FAO and ORD Advance Orchard Innovation in Khost
Khost | 19 October 2025 – In a joint effort to boost high-density fruit production, a delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), led by Regional Agriculture Specialist Mr. Mohammad Wazir Ahmadzai, visited pear orchards in Nader Shah Kot District. The initiative, part of the FAO-supported and ORD-implemented 140/WBK project, focuses on modern orchard development through T-trellising and improved tools.
The team assessed orchard performance, engaged with farmers, and offered tailored technical guidance. Farmers expressed appreciation for the expert support, while the ORD Khost team highlighted the strong collaboration between FAO, ORD, and local communities.
