THE ROLES OF UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP) IN SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT OF AFGHANISTAN TO ERADICATE POVERTY (2014 – 2019)

Abstract

Afghanistan has been experiencing a very long conflict and civil war since the invasion from the Soviet Union in December 1979. Then, it was followed by the existence of Taliban in controlling the country as well as the involvement of the United States of America to conduct war against the Taliban in Afghanistan on October 2001. This condition causes many impacts to the country such as insecurity, economic degradation, political instability, and poverty. Afghanistan faces a very serious development challenge to build the country again over tremendous conflict. The country becomes one of the poorest countries in the world according to UN and the World Bank. Therefore, many international organizations have put many concerns in supporting the government of Afghanistan to develop the country and provide prosperity to the people. One of the most important international organizations that play significant roles in Afghanistan is United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). UNDP has declared to support the government of Afghanistan to eradicate poverty problem in the country. So, this thesis would like to research how the UNDP conduct its roles in supporting the government of Afghanistan to eradicate the poverty problem in the country. This research will use qualitative research method by analysis official report publications from UNDP and other literature reviews and publications. This is expected to provide new knowledge about how international organization like UNDP who could design and play roles in situation and condition like Afghanistan’s model. Finally, the research finds that UNDP has set very comprehensive programs and frameworks to be implemented successfully in Afghanistan with focus on livelihood, human development, infrastructure, nationaland local government governance, environmental management, and agricultural development. The author uses the theory of Neoliberal Institutionalism to define and link the role UNDP plays in eradicating poverty in Afghanistan.