ORD–UNDP Earthquake Response in Kunar Province:

As part of the ORD–UNDP Earthquake Response Project in Kunar Province, the rehabilitation of 4 km of road in Mazar Dara, Nurgal District, has been completed, while works on the remaining road sections and three road structures including two culverts and one wash structure are currently in progress.
These activities directly support the project’s objective of improving safe access to markets, schools, health facilities, and other essential services, while also generating short-term employment opportunities for earthquake-affected households through cash-for-work activities.
To date, about 52% of the project work has been completed, and up to 170 local community members, including women, have benefited from the project’s cash-for-work component.

ORD under the FAO’s Emergency Food Security Project

Today, on 28/10/2025, in Musakhil district of Khost Province, ORD under the FAO’s Emergency Food Security Project “OSRO/AFG/150/WBK” successfully initiated the distribution of wheat seed packages, reaching 134 households and set to benefit a total of 500 deserving farmers in the district. Each beneficiary received 50 kg of wheat seeds, 50 kg of urea, and 50 kg of DAP.
It is worth noting that representatives from the district deputy director’s office, the Department of Agriculture, ARM, and community elders participated in the distribution and closely observed the process. The distribution was carried out smoothly and efficiently. All beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to ORD and FAO for the valuable support provided.

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.

ORD Director Represents Afghanistan in South-South Climate Solidarity Forum in Bonn

Mr. Khalid Salimee, Director General of the Organization for Relief Development (ORD), represented Afghanistan in the high-level off-side event titled “Uniting for a Just World: Strengthening South-South Solidarity and Partnerships for Equitable Climate Solutions”, held on 19 June 2025 in Bonn, Germany. The event took place alongside the 62nd session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies and brought together key stakeholders from across the Global South to explore inclusive and just climate action through strategic alliances.
Mr. Salimee contributed to the discussions by sharing Afghanistan’s experiences and challenges in climate resilience, emphasizing the vital role of civil society organizations under restricted conditions. His intervention highlighted the urgency of equitable access to climate finance for vulnerable countries like Afghanistan and called for enhanced regional collaboration to address shared climate risks. ORD’s active participation at this forum reinforces its commitment to promoting climate justice and elevating Afghan voices in global climate governance.

Afghanistan’s First National Consultation on COP30 Held in Kabul

On 26 June 2025, the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), in collaboration with and technical support from the Organization for Relief Development (ORD), convened the first national consultative meeting to prepare for Afghanistan’s participation in COP30, in November 2025 in Belem Brazil.
Chaired by NEPA Director General Mawlawi Matiulhaq Khalis, the meeting brought together representatives from key government bodies, UN agencies, international organizations, and academic experts to discuss Afghanistan’s climate vulnerabilities and coordination strategy.
ORD played a key technical role, presenting the proposed roadmap for the Afghan COP30 delegation and facilitating stakeholder input to shape national climate priorities. The organization’s advisor, Mr. Hayat Wahdat, encouraged contributions to ensure a united and well-prepared Afghan presence at the global conference.
The meeting concluded with strong consensus on collective responsibility and continued collaboration to elevate Afghanistan’s voice in international climate platforms.

Project Successfully Completed in Kushendeh District, Balkh Province

The "Humanitarian WASH for Vulnerable, Remote, and Underserved Communities in Afghanistan" project was successfully implemented by the Organization for Relief Development (ORD) in Kushendeh District, Balkh Province, with funding from ECHO through DACAAR (Project Code: ECHO/-AS/BUD/2024/91008). Running from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024, the project delivered essential WASH services to vulnerable rural communities and fully achieved its planned objectives.
Key Achievements:
✅ Construction of 5 new water wells, significantly improving access to safe drinking water in remote areas.
✅ Rehabilitation of 10 existing water points, restoring functionality and reliability of old infrastructure.
✅ Installation of 30 Emergency Bath and Latrine (EBL) units, ensuring safe sanitation in vulnerable households.
✅ Chlorination of 50 water wells, to maintain water safety and prevent waterborne diseases.
✅ Installation of 50 BSF (Bio Sand Filter) units, providing additional household-level water purification to improve drinking water quality.
✅ Distribution of hygiene kits to 1,000 vulnerable households, selected based on transparent and inclusive criteria.
✅ Distribution of two types of hygiene kits:
• 500 Consumable Hygiene Kits – short-term items like soap, shampoo, detergent, toothpaste, sanitary pads and more.
• 500 Standard Hygiene Kits – long-term items such as buckets with lids, nail clippers, reusable towels, and More
The project benefited over 9,000 individuals by improving hygiene, reducing health risks, and promoting dignity, particularly among vulnerable groups. Its success reflects strong collaboration between ORD, DACAAR, ECHO, and the local community, as part of a broader WASH emergency response in hard-to-reach areas.

Field Visit by ORD Management Team –Emergency and Resilience Project in Sar-e-Pul Province

On 22 May 2025, a senior management team from ORD’s main office visited the implementation sites of the ongoing Emergency and Resilience project, funded by the World Bank, and implemented by Organization for Relief Development (ORD) in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in Gosfandi, Balkhab, Kohistanat and Sancharak districts of Sar-e-Pul province.

The project aims to support vulnerable communities and respond to climate-related shocks through emergency food security initiatieve and cash for work (CFW) activities. As part of the interventions, 13,400 vulnerable farmers have received improved wheat packages and technical training. Additionally, 900 vulnerable food- insecure and landless househols are benefiting from at least 40 days of paid work under the cash-for-work (CFW) program. The key CfW activities include the excavation of about 45,000 trenches for rainwater harvasting, consutruction of eight small check-dams, five water ponds, and two Kandas (traditional water reservoirs).

The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress of the project, evaluate the quality of the work, and measure its impact on the targeted communities. Overall, the senior management team expressed satisfaction with the ongoing work and confirmed that the activities are being carried out in accordance with the expected standards and intended outcomes, and contributing positively to the overall success of the project.

ORD Urges Enhanced Aid Transparency and Efficiency During STFA & UNIDO Delegation Visit to Logar

12 May 2025, Pol-e Alam, Logar Province – The senior management team of the Organization for Relief Development (ORD) held a productive meeting with the visiting delegation from the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA) and representatives from UNIDO during their joint field visit to Logar province. The visit focused on monitoring the progress of the ongoing Sustainable Livelihood through MSME Support Project, being implemented by ORD in collaboration with UNIDO.

During the engagement, UNIDO and ORD teams provided a detailed briefing on project achievements, mechanisms ensuring transparency and accountability to affected communities, and the project's role in promoting inclusive local economic development. The delegation was particularly informed of the growing demand among local entrepreneurs for tailored support to boost innovation, income generation, and resilience in the region.

The ORD team expressed deep appreciation for the timely and critical assistance provided through STFA, emphasizing how this support has already begun transforming the lives of vulnerable and at-risk households. They requested the STFA delegation to convey the heartfelt gratitude of beneficiary communities to the contributing donors and stakeholders.

ORD further reiterated its commitment to upholding the principles of efficiency, transparency, and community ownership in all stages of project implementation and encouraged continued collaboration to scale the impact across underserved regions of Afghanistan.

This visit not only reaffirmed the strength of the ORD–UNIDO–STFA partnership but also highlighted the tangible outcomes of coordinated development aid in addressing Afghanistan’s pressing socio-economic challenges.

ORD launched Sustainable Livelihood through MSME Support Project in Logar

On Monday, 12 May 2025, ORD officially inaugurated the MSME Support Project in a major investment event in Logar province.

The gathering aimed to engage with local MSME holders through the MSME Support Project.

The project, funded by the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA), is being implemented by ORD in partnership with UNIDO in the southeastern region of Afghanistan, including Logar, Paktia, Khost, and Paktika provinces.

The project aims to enhance sustainable livelihoods through providing grants and technical support to 101 individuals and 10 consortiums in the four targeted provinces.

Through the implementation of the project, the level of poverty will decrease, job opportunities will be created, innovative products will be produced, and the needs of communities will be addressed.

The event brought together 106 participants, including local MSME holders, representatives from DoIC and DoEc, Chamber of Commerce & Investment, national and international NGOs, ORD senior management delegation from the ORD headquarter, UNIDO and representative from STFA.

During the event, UNIDO and ORD programmes were presented to the participants, and the project objectives, activities, procedures, and application forms were explained. Finally, application forms were distributed to 88 interested MSMEs.

ORD Builds Greenhouses to Boost Climate Resilience:

May 3, 2025, Sharana, Center of Paktika: The technical team of the ORD office in Paktika province conducted scheduled monitoring visits to small greenhouses in the Sharana district.

The purpose of this monitoring was to assess the operational status of the greenhouses, evaluate crop progress, and provide necessary recommendations to the beneficiaries.

During the visit, it was observed that the beneficiaries had cultivated cucumbers in their greenhouses, which were approaching the harvesting stage. The beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the condition and productivity of their greenhouses and thanked the ORD and FAO for its support.

ORD Launches MSME Support Project in Khost to Boost Livelihoods and Private Sector Growth

Khost, May 3, 2025 – The Organization for Relief Development (ORD), in partnership with UNIDO under the STFA- Joint Programme, officially launched its Sustainable Livelihood Support Project for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) development in Khost province.

The high-level inauguration event, held as part of a major investment forum, brought together over 120 participants, including representatives from government departments, UNIDO, national and international NGOs, private sector actors, and local entrepreneurs.

The project funded by the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA), and aims to strengthen economic resilience by providing technical and financial assistance to 101 MSMEs and 10 business consortiums across Khost, Paktiya, Logar, and Sharana.

During the forum, UNIDO and ORD jointly presented the project’s key components, including its goals, implementation strategy, and grant application procedures. At the conclusion of the event, application forms were distributed to 96 interested MSME owners and entrepreneurs, marking the beginning of an inclusive and impactful engagement with the region’s private sector.

This initiative reflects ORD and UNIDO's continued commitment to promoting sustainable economic development and private sector empowerment in southeast region of Afghanistan.

ORD initiates the implementation of Sustainable Livelihood Project under UNIDO-STFA Joint programme in South-East Region of Afghanistan.

A major investment forum, organized by Organization for Relief Development (ORD), was held on 28 April 2025 at the Paktia Chamber of Commerce Hall in Gardiz. The event aimed to officially launch the ORD new project under UNIDO-STFA Joint Programme in South-East region (Paktia, Khost, Paktika and Logar provinces), and to engage local entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium sized enterprise (MSME) owners, and the broader private sector in the project.

The project aims to enhance sustainable livelihoods through providing grants and technical support to 101 individuals and 10 consortiums in the four targeted provinces. It targets both formal and informal of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across various industries and stages of the value chain. Particular focus is placed on community-owned social enterprises, youth - and women-led business, returnees and internally displaced population led businesses with the goal of economic recovery and generating employment opportunities for both men and women.

The event brought together 140 participants, including 85 local entrepreneurs and MSME owners; representatives from the private sector (Chamber of Commerce & Investment, Chamber of Industries and Mines), government line departments (Departments of Industry & Commerce, Department of Economy -DoEc, Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock-DAIL), local media as well as representatives from several UN agencies and national and international NGOs based in Gardiz, and colleagues from UNIDO and ORD.

The participants were briefed on the UNIDO and ORD’s programs in South-East region, with a particular focus on the project’s objectives and opportunities presented by this new project. The event also facilitated open discussions, where the participants including the local entrepreneurs and private sector representatives shared their feedbacks and reflections on the planning and implementation of the interventions.

The MSME / beneficiary selection process was explained in detail, emphasizing that the application process is open to all eligible local entrepreneurs and MSME holders which eligible MSME will be selected through a competitive process based on the predefined criteria. By the end of the event, grant application forms were distributed to 78 interested MSME holders.

ORD Represents Afghanistan at Global South NGO Forum in Baku

The Organization for Relief Development (ORD) proudly represented Afghanistan at the Global South NGO Forum for Solidarity in Action, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from April 27 to 30, 2025. This Global NGO event is attended by Mr. Abdul Bari Hamidi, Deputy Director ORD. The event, hosted by the Social Welfare of the Citizens Public Union in partnership with the National NGO Forum (NNF), convened civil society leaders and development actors under the theme: “Strengthening Global South NGOs for a New and Fair World.”

Bringing together NGOs from across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, the forum focused on fostering South-South cooperation, accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and amplifying local solutions to shared global challenges. ORD’s participation highlighted Afghanistan’s civil society resilience and its commitment to advancing climate action, inclusive development, and regional solidarity, especially in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.