UN to convene key sessions on narcotics and private sector in Afghan capital next month amid efforts to stabilise region.
The United Nations will hold two key meetings in Kabul next month to address counter-narcotics and private sector challenges in Afghanistan. Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, announced the plans during a visit to Kabul. These UN meetings Kabul form part of the broader Doha process Kabul aimed at reintegrating Afghanistan internationally.
These UN meetings Kabul carry weight for South Asia. Afghanistan’s drug production fuels trafficking networks affecting Pakistan, India, and beyond. Private sector growth could spur economic ties, reducing instability that spills over borders.
UN Narcotics Afghanistan Focus
The first of the UN meetings Kabul targets counter-narcotics. DiCarlo stated: “The fight against drugs requires international support and the creation of alternative livelihoods, and the United Nations is working to ensure Afghanistan receives the necessary assistance in this area.”
UN narcotics Afghanistan efforts build on prior actions. The Taliban reported a sharp drop in opium cultivation since 2021. UN data shows poppy production fell 95 percent in 2023. However, farmers need alternatives to sustain this. The meeting will discuss aid for crop substitution and border controls.
DiCarlo met Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. Discussions covered UN narcotics Afghanistan cooperation. The UN delegation praised Afghanistan’s security improvements and counter-narcotics progress. They reaffirmed commitment to humanitarian aid.
Cross-border impacts remain key. Pakistan reports seizures of Afghan-sourced heroin worth USD 200 million annually. India faces similar inflows. These UN meetings Kabul seek coordinated responses.
UN Private Sector Afghanistan Development
The second session addresses UN private sector Afghanistan initiatives. DiCarlo noted: “We will be having two meetings in the month of February, and they’ll be held here in Afghanistan on the two working groups counter narcotics and private sector and We do anticipate that women will be participating in those meetings those two meetings as well.”
UN private sector Afghanistan work aims to ease restrictions and boost investment. Afghanistan’s economy contracted 27 percent since 2021, per World Bank figures. Private firms struggle with banking sanctions and Taliban policies.
The Doha process Kabul established these working groups in 2024. Previous sessions occurred in Doha. Hosting in Kabul signals deeper engagement.
DiCarlo discussed economic stability with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Topics included removing private sector barriers and enhancing UN-led aid effectiveness.
Women entrepreneurs will join, addressing gender concerns. UN stresses international obligations, including girls’ education rights.
Background on Doha Process Kabul
The Doha process began in February 2024 with UN-led talks in Qatar. It involves envoys from 25 countries and Afghan stakeholders. Goals include political dialogue and economic recovery.
Three meetings have occurred. The third in June 2025 focused on counter-narcotics and private sector. Outcomes included pledges for USD 1.5 billion in aid.
Shifting to Kabul for these UN meetings Kabul marks progress. It allows direct Taliban input while pressing for reforms. International community demands respect for UN Charter principles.
Afghanistan’s isolation persists. Sanctions limit trade. UN private sector Afghanistan pushes for banking access and investment incentives.
Narcotics ties into this. Drug revenues funded conflict; curbing them aids stability. UN narcotics Afghanistan strategies integrate enforcement with development.
Regional stakes are high. South Asian nations seek reduced militancy and migration from Afghanistan. Stable private sector could create jobs, stemming refugee flows.
What’s Next
Future Doha process Kabul rounds may build on these outcomes. A fourth full meeting is eyed for mid-2026. Success depends on Taliban concessions on rights.
The international community monitors closely. DiCarlo said: “The rest of the world is concerned and needs to see increased stability here. We read about certain activities that have happened, certain events that have happened, and I think there needs to be greater reassurance of stability, and certainly we are very supportive of all efforts to try to ensure that stability exists.”
UN meetings Kabul could pave the way for broader reintegration if productive.
These UN meetings Kabul represent a pivotal step. They address core issues like UN narcotics Afghanistan and UN private sector Afghanistan through the Doha process Kabul framework.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 26th, 2026
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
