KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The government of Italy has contributed €2.4 million, about $2.8 million, to the United Nations Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA), the fund announced on Thursday.
In a post on X, the trust fund thanked Italy for the contribution, saying the money would be used to preserve cultural heritage, improve human settlements, and advance economic and climate-resilient initiatives across Afghanistan.
The UN established the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan in 2021 following the Taliban’s return to power. The fund supports humanitarian and development initiatives, with a focus on vulnerable populations, human rights, and women’s empowerment.
According to the fund, it received $24.7 million in contributions during 2025 and assisted more than one million people across the country. It said women and girls accounted for at least 40% of those reached, with support including access to basic services, livelihood opportunities, and measures to strengthen climate resilience.
Italy’s latest contribution comes as Afghanistan continues to face one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. The UN says nearly 22 million people, close to 45% of the population, are expected to require humanitarian assistance in 2026.
Meanwhile, aid operations have been under pressure due to persistent funding shortfalls. The suspension of US assistance, previously Afghanistan’s largest source of aid, has further strained relief efforts. The UN’s $1.6 billion humanitarian appeal for 2025 remained heavily underfunded, while the organization is seeking $1.7 billion for 2026 to assist 17.5 million people it has prioritized for support.
