The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan in 2025 is one of extreme urgency and complexity. Over 23.7 million people, which is more than half of the population, are in dire need of assistance, a result of decades of prolonged conflict, political instability, economic turmoil, and natural disasters. The challenges are further compounded by the return of over 679,000 Afghan refugees from Pakistan, which has escalated the crisis and placed immense pressure on already strained resources. Emergency healthcare, shelter, and civil documentation remain urgent needs, particularly for women and girls who continue to face severe restrictions on their participation in public life.

Despite the substantial international aid committed since 2021, Afghanistan still suffers from critical funding gaps, hampering efforts to bring lasting relief and empowerment to the most vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, people with disabilities, and marginalized communities.

In response to these challenges, New Way Social and Development Organization (NSDO) has remained steadfast in its commitment to the Afghan people since its inception in 2011. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a robust, non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to creating lasting change in the humanitarian, development, and advocacy sectors. NSDO's work focuses primarily on empowering children, women, adolescent girls, people with disabilities, IDPs, and returnees. Our mission is to serve the most marginalized and vulnerable communities, ensuring that even in the face of adversity, their voices are heard, and their needs are met.

As we look ahead to 2025 we continue to confront the deep-rooted challenges facing the Afghan people. In response to the ongoing crisis, NSDO has put forth its strategic priorities for the 2024-2028 period, which include: Gender Justice, Social Cohesion and Community Empowerment, Water Sanitation & Hygiene, Food Security, Nutrition and Livelihood Sustainability, Education & Life Skills, Enterprise Development & Social Entrepreneurship, Child Protection & Welfare, Climate Adaptation & Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Response. These priorities are designed to address both the immediate and long-term needs of our communities, while fostering self-reliance and resilience in the face of uncertainty.

We are particularly proud of the strong operational presence NSDO has maintained across nine key provinces in Afghanistan: Kabul, Herat, Ghazni, Maidan Wardak, Parwan, Baghlan, Kunduz, Takhar, and Badakhshan, enabling us to respond quickly and effectively to emerging humanitarian needs. Our strategic framework for 2024-2028 lays the foundation for deepening and expanding our impact in these regions. With a democratic governance structure and robust operational systems in place, NSDO continues to implement effective programs designed to address the most pressing challenges facing our communities. In 2023 and 2024 alone, we completed seven key projects, with another four underway, demonstrating our capacity to deliver on our mission despite the challenges.

Looking forward, our focus in 2025 will be on expanding our efforts to support the Afghan people in navigating the evolving landscape of humanitarian need. We will continue to advocate for global support, ensuring that essential aid is sustained, and we will work tirelessly to amplify our impact through strategic interventions, improved coordination, and strong partnerships. The commitment of our dedicated team and the support of our donors and partners are crucial in driving the progress we hope to achieve. Together, we can create a brighter, more resilient future for Afghanistan's most vulnerable populations.