Outcome AFG_O_2

ACO continues to sustain, generate and diversify strategic partnerships and resources to advance gender equality and women’s rights in Afghanistan

During 2023, ACO continued to sustain, generate and diversify strategic partnerships and resources to advance gender equality and women’s rights in Afghanistan. A Resource Mobilization and partnerships strategy was developed by June 2023 in light of the recent bans of December 2022 and April 2023. The revised approach to partnership engagement and resource mobilization was reflected and integrated in the newly developed Strategic Note for the office (2023 to 2025) and was informed by the UN system wide Joint Strategic Framework endorsed in July 2023. Given the operational context, ACO regularly engaged with its donors and partners – both new and potential donors. These are twin tracked engagements-political/context updates and UN Women programme pivoting. Collective engagement with a broad range of existing and prospective donors was ensured through the convening of the monthly “Gender & Human Rights Strategic and Thematic Working Group/STWG”, which is the United Nations key coordination platform for gender programming in Afghanistan. In addition, the first in person retreat was organized on 21-22 September in Istanbul for the group. The retreat outcomes (documentations attached here : ) included: Discussing the state of play on the situation in Afghanistan with a focus on Gender and Human Rights. Developing a renewed vision for the group: who we are / what is our vision – a) what is the expected role from the group; b) how it can better inform and influence the ACG; c) finalizing CSO membership. Identifying coordination and cross learning opportunities between the different STWGs. Preparing messages to inform the ACG on gender and Women rights issues. Additional resources were secured for the office during 2023 in support of the newly endorsed Strategic Note for the Afghanistan Country Office (2023-2025). The following agreements were signed: Iceland: USD 380,000 (Against the Strategic Note) – Duration: (2023-2024). Spain: Euro 250 K ($264,845)- (Against the Strategic Note) – Duration: (2023-2025). Norway: NOK 70,000,000 –($6,600,188)- (Against the Strategic Note) – Duration: (2023-2025) Finland Euro 2,100,000 – ($2,297,253) - (Against the Strategic Note) – Duration: (2023-2024) Sweden: SEK 40,000,000 – ($3,900,712) - (Against the Strategic Note) – Duration: (2023-2025) Austria: Euro 120 K - (131,272)- (Against the Strategic Note) – Duration: (2023-2024) Austria development Agency Euro 1 M – ($1,059,380) - (Against the Strategic Note) – Duration: (2023-2024) Additional funds from Denmark: DKK 2,740,000 ($402,248) - (Against the Strategic Note) – Duration: (Jan – March 2024) Total funding received in support of the Strategic Note 2023-2025: $15,021,053

ACO continues to sustain, generate and diversify strategic partnerships and resources to advance gender equality and women’s rights in Afghanistan

The 2023 – 2025 Strategic Note for ACO reflects the revised approach to partnership engagement and resource mobilization, which was also informed by the UN system wide Joint Strategic Framework. ACO maintained regular communication with its donors and partners, including both new and potential donors. In alignment with ACO’s frequent donors’ engagement approach , engagements were organized at the senior level to provide regular briefings on political/context updates as well as UN Women programme pivoting, and progress achieved to date. The regular engagement has helped in building trust with ACO ‘s donors’ and ensuring a sustainable and constructive partnership with our key donors.

ACO continues to sustain, generate and diversify strategic partnerships and resources to advance gender equality and women’s rights in Afghanistan

The implementation of UN Women Afghanistan’s resource mobilization strategy has strengthened predictable, flexible, and diversified financing for gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE), reinforcing donor confidence and positioning GEWE as a central priority within Afghanistan’s humanitarian and resilience response. Through strategic leadership in donor coordination, sustained engagement with traditional partners, and expanded outreach to non-traditional and emerging donors, the office has increased both the volume and quality of funding supporting Afghan women and girls, while safeguarding adaptability in an increasingly constrained operating environment. Implemented a structured resource mobilization strategy aligned with UN Women Afghanistan’s Strategic Note, prioritizing flexible, predictable, and gender-responsive financing to advance GEWE outcomes in a highly constrained operating environment. Strengthened UN Women’s leadership in donor coordination by chairing the Strategic Thematic Working Group (STWG) on Gender and Human Rights under the Afghanistan Coordination Group (ACG), positioning GEWE as a core priority in donor policy dialogue and funding decisions. Secured total funding of USD 62.7 million for the 2025–2027 period, comprising USD 36.9 million in Strategic Note (unearmarked/semi-flexible) funding and USD 25.8 million in earmarked project funding supporting EVAW, WEE, WPS, and GiHA priorities. Increased the share of flexible financing, with 59% of total available funding mobilized through Strategic Note contributions, enabling rapid adaptation, continuity of services, and protection of women-centred programming amid political and operational volatility. Consolidated strong support from traditional donors coming from Team Europe+ partners, and Nordic countries accounting for nearly one-third of overall funding, reflecting sustained confidence in UN Women’s GEWE leadership. Deepened bilateral partnerships with key non-European donors, including Canada (USD 11.25 million Strategic Note contribution), Japan (USD 2 million secured with additional pipeline), New Zealand (USD 4.93 million), and Australia (ongoing engagement), strengthening diversified support for GEWE priorities. Expanded engagement with non-traditional and emerging donors, including Qatar, China (CIDCA), Gulf partners, foundations, and National Committees, to support women’s economic empowerment, protection, and civil society resilience. Specific outreach to EU Member States, including seeking Strategic Note (SN) funding has been initiated through direct engagement with EU Member States Heads of Mission, facilitated by the EU Delegation. In the EU, direct engagement has also been initiated with several Member States, such as Finland, Germany, Germany, France, Italy, Spain. In parallel, targeted donor outreach is underway with regional partners—including Qatar, China, Korea, the UAE, and India—as well as with international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Leveraged partnerships with international financial institutions and the UN system to embed gender equality and women-focused safeguards within large-scale humanitarian and basic needs financing, reinforcing GEWE outcomes within broader service-delivery investments. Sustained donor confidence through regular high-level engagement mechanisms, including bi-weekly EU/Nordic briefings, quarterly donor updates, joint missions, and tailored visibility products that demonstrate impact for Afghan women and girls. Institutionalized resource mobilization capacity through a dedicated Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Unit and senior management leadership, strengthening the office’s ability to secure increased and diversified financing for GEWE issues in Afghanistan. Pipeline – secured in Q4 2025 and for January 2026: $19,046,303.97 total providing critical continuity for programme delivery at the start of 2026 SDC Earthquake: USD 499,375.78 SDC WCSO: USD 6,963,000 Austria Development Agency (ADA): USD 1,172,800 Austria MoFA : USD 1,172,800 Denmark: USD 3,100,775.19 FCDO (UK): USD 289,786 Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund: USD 799,807 Norway: USD 5,986,200