In a remarkable display of international cooperation and humanitarian commitment, Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have forged a powerful partnership aimed at catalyzing sustainable development in Afghanistan. Recently, His Excellency Kuromiya Takayoshi, Japan's Ambassador to Afghanistan, undertook a field mission alongside Stephen Rodriques, UNDP Afghanistan Resident Representative. Their journey to Balkh Province showcased several initiatives funded by Japan, illustrating the profound impact on local communities and their journey toward resilience and prosperity.

Japan's support for Afghanistan spans crucial sectors, including the construction and rehabilitation of community assets, water management, economic empowerment, and social cohesion. The visit to Balkh Province highlighted several flagship projects, each serving as a testament to Japan's commitment to improving the lives of the Afghan people.

One of the projects witnessed during the visit was the Balkh Water Supply Scheme in Sholgarah District. This solar-powered initiative provides a reliable water supply to approximately 100 households in Nawabad Silbor Village. Previously, community members, especially women and children, endured difficult journeys to fetch water, often risking health hazards due to waterborne diseases. The new scheme, powered by an 8.1 kW solar system and equipped with 80 stand taps, has transformed daily life by bringing safe drinking water directly into homes. This not only saves time and effort but also ensures better health outcomes for the villagers. Since 2021, more than 300 community asset projects have been supported by Japan in the Northern Region.

The visit also highlighted UNDP's support for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) across Balkh Province. These initiatives are pivotal in stimulating economic growth and reducing poverty by creating employment opportunities, particularly for women. Nasira Azizi's Carpet Weaving Center in Mazar-e-Sharif stands as an inspiration for women's economic empowerment, providing livelihoods for 100 women through traditional carpet weaving and wool spinning. Azizi's journey began five years ago, leveraging savings from working with her mother to start her business. Today, her center produces over 100 square meters of carpet monthly, significantly contributing to the local economy and providing stable employment for women, including college dropouts and widows.

Similarly, Anisa Hussini's Tailoring Center not only employs local women but also trains them in tailoring skills, promoting economic independence and resilience in the face of socio-economic challenges. Hussini, a returnee from Iran, has turned her tailoring business into a thriving enterprise, creating jobs for 20 women and men. The provision of a 7.5 kW solar system has further enhanced her business's efficiency, reduced energy costs, and increased productivity. Since 2021, UNDP has supported over 3,500 MSMEs in the Northern Region.

Beyond economic empowerment, the Japanese-funded projects have also contributed significantly to social cohesion and community resilience. The Istiqlal Women’s Saving Group in Mazar-e-Sharif exemplifies this, offering financial independence to its members through savings and micro-loans. Established in June 2022, the group provides mutual support and financial stability to women who face significant socio-economic restrictions. With initial financial support from UNDP, the group has enabled members to start their own businesses, including tailoring, embroidery, and wool spinning, fostering economic resilience and empowerment.

The delegation's visit to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers underscored Japan and UNDP's commitment to equipping Afghan youth with the technical skills essential for sustainable livelihoods. The Balkh Access Center, established by UNDP, provides training in areas such as tailoring, mobile phone repair, plumbing, and [DM1] language classes. The center is a vital resource for skill development and economic empowerment, fully aligned with the cultural context of the province.

In addressing environmental challenges intensified by climate change, Japan and UNDP have invested in sustainable infrastructure projects like the rehabilitation of the Takhta Pul Canal. This initiative enhances agricultural productivity across 6,800 jeribs (1,360 hectares) of land, benefiting over 5,400 farmers in Nahr-e-Shahi. The canal's rehabilitation has improved water distribution, crop yields, and overall agricultural output, significantly boosting the local economy and food security.

The delegates visiting the province also recognized the significant water resource management challenges in Balkh Province, as highlighted by local communities and by the UNDP technical team. Afghanistan, severely affected by climate change, faces recurring droughts that impact millions of farmers. "These projects are making a positive impact on the lives of many local people. I am pleased to witness the fruitful cooperation between UNDP and Japan," said H.E. Kuromiya Takayoshi, Japan's Ambassador to Afghanistan.

The impact of Japan-funded initiatives extends far beyond tangible infrastructure and economic gains. Since 2021, these efforts have benefited over 2.77 million individuals (including 1.42 million women) across Afghanistan. This includes the provision of essential equipment and supplies to schools and health facilities, creating job opportunities for over 850,000 individuals (including over 220,000 women) and supporting more than 12,907 MSMEs (including 8,264 women-led businesses) across Afghanistan in the past three years.

The partnership has also resulted in significant investments in sustainable energy, with over 5,000 facilities now powered by renewable energy sources. In the realm of social cohesion, 331 civil society organizations have been supported to conduct peace-building and advocacy activities, helping to ensure that as the country develops, it maintains its social fabric and unity.