Participants in consultations on Afghanistan urged the international community to boost humanitarian aid and keep relief work free from political manipulation. The joint statement issued after the gathering stressed the urgent need to expand assistance to Afghan civilians while ensuring that aid remains independent of political bargaining. It also reaffirmed a collective willingness to sustain aid programs and called on donor nations to act promptly, without attaching conditions that would skew relief efforts.
The document further notes that attendees affirmed their commitment to ongoing humanitarian support for the Afghan population and pressed the international community to initiate urgent relief measures. It emphasized that aid must not be used as a tool of political influence and should reach those in need without delay, with safeguards that prevent diversion or misappropriation. International humanitarian networks and regional partners are identified as essential players in delivering this aid, with continued coordination endorsed by the joint statement.
Regional neighbors Iran, Pakistan and other countries hosting large numbers of Afghan refugees were acknowledged for their generosity and resilience. These nations have sheltered millions of people who fled conflict and poverty, offering shelter, schooling, medical care, and pathways toward stability. The joint statement recognized the heavy burden carried by host communities and urged the wider international community to match that support with sustained financial and logistical assistance, drawing on the experience of regional humanitarian agencies and global partners.
In August 2021 the Afghan conflict underwent a dramatic shift as the Taliban intensified its assault on government forces, advancing into Kabul on August 15 and declaring an end to the war the following day. Within two weeks, thousands of Western nationals and local partners working with them were evacuated in a rapid airlift. On August 31, the United States completed its withdrawal, marking nearly twenty years of direct American military presence in Afghanistan as the country faced a new, uncertain chapter.
Earlier assessments, including those reflected in regional analyses, pointed to shortcomings in the governance and capacity of the Afghan government. Observers highlighted gaps in security, administration, and the delivery of essential services. The political transition underscored the need for transparent institutions and inclusive governance, with international engagement framed to support humanitarian goals while respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty, and to ensure that relief remains a humanitarian priority over political considerations.