The mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) remains one of the central instruments through which the United Nations engages with Afghanistan. Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the mission has operated in an increasingly complex environment marked by political isolation, lack of international recognition of the de facto authorities, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
The Security Council extended UNAMA’s mandate on 16 March 2026 via Resolution 2818 for only three months, until 17 June 2026, to allow time for a broader review of its future role.
UNAMA’s mandate has evolved since 2021 toward coordination of humanitarian aid, human rights monitoring, advocacy for women and girls, and “good offices” for dialogue with the de facto authorities and regional actors.
UNAMA’s three‑month mandate renewal in March 2026 creates a window to re‑anchor the mission around political engagement (including the Doha process), protection and human rights, and large‑scale humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.
When the broader diplomatic framework—including the Doha Process—continues to shape international engagement with Afghanistan. However, the absence of an inclusive political process, continued restrictions on women’s rights, and limited progress on governance raise concerns about whether the existing mandate remains fit for purpose.
UNAMA is currently tasked with providing good offices and facilitating dialogue on inclusive governance, rule of law, and regional cooperation, including support to the UN‑led “Doha Process” bringing together key Member States and the Taliban.
Since 2024, UNAMA leadership has used Doha‑based plenaries and working groups (e.g., on counter‑narcotics and private sector) as confidence‑building platforms, but these have been criticized for perceived imbalance between Taliban demands and international community expectations on rights and inclusion.
The independent assessment and member state debates ahead of March 2026 underline the need for a clearer political roadmap anchored in negotiations between the Taliban and other Afghan stakeholders, avoiding de facto normalization without concrete commitments.
This virtual event will explore whether UNAMA’s mandate should be renewed as is or reshaped, and what an effective, future‑oriented mandate should look like in light of Afghanistan’s political, peace, and humanitarian realities. It will provide a platform for diverse experts to assess options and generate concrete recommendations for Member States ahead of the next renewal decision.
Objectives
- This event should be able to provide an effective discussion and implications of renewing UNAMA’s mandate “as is” versus introducing targeted changes (scope, priorities, structure, or tools).
- Identify what a “most effective” mandate would include and provide a short set of actionable recommendations for Member States and UN leadership on mandate options ahead of the next renewal.
Speakers
is a distinguished diplomat and current Charge d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations in New York. Born and raised in Afghanistan, Mr. Faiq began his career in politics after joining the Afghanistan Foreign Service in 2005. Over the years, Mr. Faiq has held various high[1]profile positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan. He has served as the Deputy Director General for Regional Cooperation Directorate twice, once from 2016-2019 and again in 2012-2013. Mr. Faiq has also served as a Minister Counsellor, Counsellor, and Third Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations from 2008-2019. In December 2021, Mr. Faiq was appointed as Charge d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the UN in New York, a role that he is eminently qualified for and that he is likely to excel in. His diplomatic experience, expertise, commitment, and leadership skills make him a valuable asset to the people of Afghanistan for representing them at the international platforms.
Farishta started working for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) more than twenty years ago. She co-founded a women’s rights NGO in Herat in the mid-2000s and has consulted for several well-regarded firms and organizations including the World Bank, USAID and EU. Formerly, Farishta served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the director general and senior advisor for Afghanistan Peace and Security Affairs and was deputy chief of party for Internews in Kabul in 2017. She has also taught at the American University of Afghanistan in 2016.
Farishta earned her BA in Commerce from Pakistan’s Baluchistan University and an Executive MBA from Preston University. She also holds a master's degree from Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia and a PhD from the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University. Farishta remains a fellow at the International Center for Transitional Justice and is a current fellow of the Rumsfeld Foundation. She also served as a key advocate for promotion of democracy, human rights, and women’s rights in Afghanistan for more than two decades.
Sponsorship of an event does not constitute institutional endorsement of external speakers or views presented.