This discussion paper highlights that Afghanistan faces a formidable 'data deficit', especially in terms of urban–disaggregated data.

The paper reviews the current status of urban monitoring and provides an overview of the pioneering methodology developed in The State of Afghan Cities Programme 2014/15 to gather more reliable and up–to–date data on urbanisation.

This paper examines the situation in Afghan cities for:

(i) women and girls

(ii) returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

(iii) youth

(iv) ethnic minorities

Common to all is their heightened socio-economic marginalisation and vulnerability, exclusion from urban decision-making, and weaker urban safety and security.

This discussion paper examines the situation, challenges and opportunities facing Afghanistan's cities in terms of municipal governance. It shows that the 33 Provincial Municipalities1 are a key sub-national governance element that are, more than ever, vital to achieve the Government's vision of a self-reliant Afghanistan.

This discussion paper examines key environmental challenges facing Afghan cities, including services such as transport, water, and sanitation; natural resource management; and climate change and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

This discussion paper examines housing in Afghan cities. The paper advocates for a 'twin track' approach to improve access to adequate housing. One 'track' is to recognize and upgrade existing informal areas.

This discussion paper examines the importance of urban planning for achieving sustainable urbanization.

This discussion paper examines the enormous potential to increase local revenues through land and property taxation in cities. The paper reviews experiences over the past five years in five of Afghanistan's largest cities: Kandahar, Herat, Jalalabad, Lashkar Gah and Mazar-e-Sharif.

This discussion paper reflects on over 10 years of community-based neighbourhood upgrading in Afghanistan's cities. It shows the huge potential and value of citizen engagement in upgrading, promoting a culture of civic responsibility and community solidarity.

This paper provides an overview of the significant urbanisation transition facing Afghanistan. It shows that while urbanisation presents considerable challenges, it also offers immense opportunities to harness urban development as a driver of economic growth, poverty reduction and peace-building.

Herat, 5 February 2015: A participatory City Workshop was held on 4 February 2015 in the Municipality of Herat. It was attended by over 80 local stakeholders, including government officials, including Mayor Ghulam Ghaws Nikbin, Municipal staff, line departments, municipal district heads, and local communities.