UN Warns Climate Change, Urban Growth Threaten Afghanistan’s Historic Districts

UN Warns Climate Change, Urban Growth Threaten Afghanistan’s Historic Districts
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UN-Habitat has warned that climate change and rapid, unplanned urban expansion are placing Afghanistan’s historic neighborhoods at growing risk, undermining the cultural identity of its cities, Khaama Press reported.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the UN agency said preserving historic districts is vital to maintaining the social fabric and architectural character of Afghan urban centers. It cautioned that non-standard and poorly planned construction is exerting heavy pressure on traditional housing, historic sites, and long-established urban layouts.

UN-Habitat noted that urbanization in Afghanistan is accelerating due to population growth, rural displacement, and decades of conflict, often in the absence of adequate planning or infrastructure. At the same time, climate-related extreme weather events, including floods and droughts, are further damaging vulnerable historic structures.

The agency added that Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis—marked by widespread poverty, unemployment, and limited governance capacity—has constrained efforts to protect heritage and promote sustainable urban development. It called for coordinated action by authorities, communities, and international partners to prevent irreversible losses.