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PROSPERITY

Girls education project – credits UNESCO

PAKISTAN

Outcome 3 (SDG 8.5): Promote full and productive employment and decent work,
with particular emphasis on young people and women.
• Sector: Education, training and decent work

• Outcome 4 (SDG 8.9 – 11.4): Increased protection of cultural and natural heritage.
• Sector: Safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage

AFGHANISTAN

Outcome 3 (SDG 8.5): Promote full and productive employment and decent work, with particular emphasis on young people and women.

Sector: Education, training and decent work

Pakistan projects - Education, training and decent work

The project contributes to improving the conditions of kiln workers in Pakistan by addressing child and forced labor through awareness-raising initiatives, training,
and strengthening social protection services. It has promoted the “Zigzag” technology to reduce emissions and improve the sector’s efficiency. Despite challenges such as COVID-19 and political instability, the project, in collaboration with trade unions, has improved access to social services and the adoption of safer working practices. Pilot initiatives have raised
awareness and led to sustainable changes, while dialogue between institutions and communities has strengthened sector governance. In the final phase, the project focuses on conducting baseline analyses and a cost-benefit evaluation of the Zigzag technology, involving the public sector to reduce emissions, and formally registering the kilns and workers. At the same time, it is promoting improved labor practices and conducting a gender study to ensure a just transition for the communities involved.
Deliberation N.106, CC 29/09/2017
Zone of Intervention Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Baluchistan and Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan Administered Kashmir (PAK)
Financing Channel Bilateral, Grant
Sector of Intervention Education, training and decent work
SDGs SGD 8 Target 1 & 2 & 3
Executing Entity International Labour Association – ILO
Partners Trade Union Institute for Development Cooperation
Local Counterpart Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Department
Labour and Human Resource Department, Punjab
Total Cost € 1.500.000,00
Duration 1st December 2017 al 30th June 2025
General Objective Strengthen institutional capacities to promote decent work in Pakistan,
particularly in the field of brick kilns and quarries, improving social
protection services and the engagement of the Pakistani diaspora in
Italy.
Specific Objectives 1.•Develop and implement an effective system for monitoring and
eliminating child and forced labour in marble kilns and quarries.
•Promote a coordinated social protection system.
•Encourage the active involvement of the Pakistani diaspora in Italy for
activities to support the promotion of decent work.
Expected Results Support for furnaces to improve performance and establish a
self-monitoring mechanism
• Promoting literacy and rights awareness among Sialkot kiln workers as
a means of preventing forced labour
• Support for Sialkot furnace workers to access social security services
• Access to supported social protection services for the poorest and
most vulnerable families through the One-Window-Operation system
• Coordinated social protection system replicated in other provinces
• National social security institutions and enhanced platforms
• Material developed for knowledge of decent work issues in Pakistan
• Joint action plan and coordination platform with the Government for
the Pakistani diaspora in Italy established
Beneficiaries Work component: Kiln workers in the province of Punjab (Sialkot district),
trade unions, kiln owners, civil servants and marble quarries in the
region.
Social protection component: Vulnerable families selected on the basis
of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) poverty rankings for the
KP districts and the provinces of Punjab and Baluchistan.
Pakistani diaspora component: The Pakistani community in Italy, with a
particular focus on young Pakistanis.

The BELIEF project aims to improve the quality of life for vulnerable communities in the Punjab province through an integrated approach that combines education, vocational training, labor rights, access to essential services, and the promotion of interfaith dialogue. Activities include improving existing schools, training youth and adults to increase employability, raising awareness on labor rights, and creating more sustainable economic opportunities. Additionally, the project involves organizing cultural events and interfaith conferences to strengthen social cohesion and combat discrimination. The strategic
partnership with local and international organizations will ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the intervention. During the first six months, the project identified
beneficiaries for vocational training courses, started purchasing equipment for tailoring and beauty therapy, and planned infrastructure interventions in schools. It has trained 92 teachers on inclusive methodologies and child protection, launched awareness activities on labor rights and access to healthcare services, and organized an initial event to promote interfaith dialogue in Faisalabad
Deliberation N. 3414, 15/12/2023
Zone of intervention Province of Punjab (Lahore – areas of Youhanabad,
Faisalabad, Sargodha)
Financing Channel Bilateral, Grant
Sector of Intervention Education, training and decent work
SDGs SGD 10 Target 2 & 3

SGD 16 Target 1 & 2
Executing Entity Trade union institute for development cooperation – ISCOS
Partners Don Bosco Educational Society
La Salle Brothers Pakistan
Marist Foundation for International Solidarity – FMSI
De La Salle Solidarietà Internazionale ETS
Local Counterpart Pakistan Workers Federation (PWF) and local educational institutions
Total Cost € 1,299,160.83 (95% AICS, 5% monetary contribution ISCOS)
Duration 1st June 2024 to 30th May 2026
General Objective Sostenere le comunità cristiane attraverso la risposta ai bisogni di base, la protezione dei diritti, la promozione dell’inclusione socioeconomica e il dialogo interreligioso.
Specific Objectives Strengthen the socioeconomic inclusion of Christian communities in
the Punjab province in a more conducive environment for interfaith
dialogue.
• Promote the improvement of living and working conditions for
Christian communities through vocational training, quality education,
and access to fundamental rights.
Expected Results Christian-majority communities in the Punjab province have improved
access to quality educational and training services.
•Christian-majority communities in the Punjab province have gained
greater knowledge and opportunities to enjoy their fundamental
rights.
Beneficiaries Direct: 17,578 people, including students, teachers, vulnerable workers
and community members.
Indirect: about 50,000 target community members.

The project addresses the severe employment losses in the tourism sector following the 2022 floods in Pakistan, with a focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where extensive damage to hotels, restaurants, and related infrastructure disrupted livelihoods. By promoting climate-resilient reconstruction and sustainable eco-tourism models, the initiative aims to equip approximately 10,000 individuals—especially women and youth—with certified skills in construction and tourism, thus fostering income generation and gender inclusivity.
The project also responds to the increased demand for environmentally friendly bricks in post-flood
reconstruction, aligning recovery efforts with sustainability. Building on Post-Disaster Needs Assessment
(PDNA) findings and national development strategies, the intervention supports local enterprises,
aiming to establish 200 women/youth-led businesses and indirectly benefit over 100,000 people. It
contributes to Pillar Prosperity Outcome 3 by promoting economic and job placement activities
linked to culture and sustainable tourism, and it will track progress through AICS indicators related to
tourism and entrepreneurship in culture and tourism.

Deliberation                         N. 223 – CC. 16/12/2024
Zone of Intervention        Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province                                                           (KP)
Financing Channel            Multibilateral, Grant
SDG                                             SDG 8.8 e SDG 11.4
Gender marker                        1
Executing Entity                 International Labour Organisation – ILO
Partners                                  Trade Union Institute for Development Cooperation –  ISCOS
Local Counterpart              National Vocational & Technical  Training Commission (NAVTTC)
Total Cost                               € 2.000.000
Duration                                 3 years
General Objective               Foster economic resilience, promoting environmentally sustainable
practices, and generating employment opportunities within the tourism and construction sectors.
Specific Objective              Enhance climate resilient constructions and economic gender and                    youth inclusivity for sustainable tourism in KP
Expected Results              Promote economic and job placement activities related to culture  and sustainable and responsible tourism.
Beneficiaries                       The direct beneficiaries shall be about 10,000 persons in KP along with fostering 200 women/youth- led enterprises. The indirect beneficiaries of the project will be over 100,000 inhabitants of KP

Pakistan projects - Safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage

Since 1955, the continuous work of the Italian Archaeological Mission in the Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has led to significant achievements in archaeology, restoration, and museography, as well as a deep understanding of the context. Based on these foundations, this project aims to protect, promote, and enhance the cultural and natural
heritage of KP with a focus on economic development. In support of national development
plans, the project intends to contribute to the growth of institutional capacity to foster climate change adaptation policies and the protection and conservation of heritage through certified on-the-job professional training. Furthermore, the planned activities aim to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the community through ecotourism. The project intends to create a route between archaeological sites that will generate employment and income opportunities by supporting entrepreneurship from the Swat Valley to the Taxila KP archaeological area, along a 125 km path connecting the archaeological sites of Barikot, Zalamkot, Hati-lar, Palai, Asota, Thareli, and Taxila KP through the Wonders’ Trails and the Elephant Road.
The project is developed in KP, which, in addition to possessing an extremely rich cultural heritage, was also one of the areas most affected by the 2022 floods, with significant damage to accommodation structures and archaeological sites. 
Deliberation N. 218, CC 16/12/2024
Zone di intervento Provincia del Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): dalla Valle dello Swat fino all’area archeologica di Taxila KP (confine con il Panjab)
Canale Finanziamento Bilaterale – Dono ex art. 24 L. 125/2014
SDGs     SDG 8:    Target 8.5, 8.9;     SDG 11 Target 11.4
Ente esecutore Università Ca’ Foscari di Venezia come co-gestore della Missione Archeologica Italiana in Pakistan (MAIP)
Partners ONG Istituto Sindacale per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo ISCOS

Collaborazione con università locali
Controparte locale Directorate of Archaeology and Museums del KP nel Culture, Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Department – DOAMKP
Costo complessivo € 3.000.000,00
Durata 36 mesi.
Obiettivo generale Incrementare la salvaguardia del patrimonio culturale e naturale per il benessere socioeconomico.
Obiettivi specifico Sostenere il benessere socioeconomico legato alla cultura e al turismo sostenibile responsabile.
Risultati attesi –   Migliorata la capacità di gestione delle autorità nella salvaguardia e valorizzazione turistica del patrimonio culturale.

–   Accresciuta l’offerta di itinerari per il turismo culturale sul territorio provinciale attraverso la conservazione, il restauro e la valorizzazione dei siti archeologici, inclusi siti danneggiati dalle alluvioni 2022.

–   Migliorata la formazione tecnico-professionale (TVET) in linea con i principi della transizione verde e digitale, nel settore del patrimonio culturale e nella filiera del turismo responsabile.

–   Rafforzata la filiera del turismo responsabile a livello provinciale.
Beneficiari 2540 Beneficiari Diretti: Studenti universitari, membri della Comunità, funzionari delle Autorità Provinciali.

17.000 Beneficiari Indiretti: Famiglie di beneficiari diretti, Turisti, Popolazione KP.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is characterized by a rich and diverse cultural heritage, which holds significant potential for the economic development of the entire province. However, the conservation of archaeological sites is inadequate due to the lack of centers and laboratories dedicated to research, documentation, and conservation activities. The project aims to contribute to the economic development of KP by enhancing institutional and community capacities, creating job and social inclusion opportunities. In particular, the establishment of conservation/restoration centers/laboratories,
which will be renovated and equipped, alongside certified training for specialized technicians and
workers with on-the-job training in excavations, will ensure the preservation of cultural identity. On the
other hand, certified training for the police forces and provincial customs officers will enhance skills in
the protection and management of heritage.
Deliberation CC 154 – 09/10/2023
Zone of intervention Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KP), districts of Haripur, Peshawar, Swat,
Chitral and Dear Ismail Khan
Funding Channel Soft loan
Gender marker

SDG

 1

SDG 8, Target 8.9; SDG 11, Target 11.4
Executing Entity Department of Planning and Development, KP
Partners – Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan (MIAP) co-managed
by Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and the Italian Institute for the
Middle and Far East (ISMEO)
• Ministry of Culture MIC, Italy
• Higher Institute for Conservation and Restoration (ICR-MIC)
• Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage
Local Counterpart P&D Department in KP Province e MoFA, DOAM KP
Total Cost € 4.159.000,00
Duration 36 months
General Objective Contribute to institutional development, provincial and federal, in the
field of cultural heritage through capacity building and human
resources, in the public and private sectors, and the creation of
employment opportunities and social inclusion.
Specific Objective Improving the cultural heritage sector in the KP through the
establishment of equipped conservation/restoration centres, training of
specialist staff and the inclusion of local communities in the process of
protecting cultural heritage
Expected Results Six conservation and restoration training centers/laboratories
established.
• Enhanced capacities in heritage conservation and management.
• Strengthened capacity of police forces and customs officers in
controlling illicit excavations and the illegal trafficking of cultural
property.
Beneficiaries Direct: Over 400 DOAM KP technical staff, police and customs,
university students, and community members.
Indirect: Resident communities in KP.

This project adopts an integrated, cross-sectoral approach to promote both access to quality education and the safeguarding of cultural heritage through learning. In response to the Covid-19 restrictions, the initiative launched the “Radio My Best Friend” programme, which enabled remote learning via radio broadcasts. This ensured continuity in educational activities while also promoting hygiene and
sanitation practices during prolonged school closures.
Aligned with the project’s overarching goals, the intervention also incorporates indigenous knowledge of the Kalasha community into risk reduction strategies. These include water channeling, riverbank reinforcement, and soil stabilization efforts. Schools are actively engaged in these activities through outdoor education modules, fostering awareness, resilience, and a strong link between cultural heritage and sustainable development. Deliberation                    n. 111 of 27 october 2016
Zone of Intervention    Provincia del South Punjab, KP, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan
Canale di
finanziamento                Multilaterale a dono
SDG                                     SDG 4: Target 4.1, 4.2 – SDG 5: Target 5.5, 5c – SDG 11: Target 11.4
Gender marker               2Executing Entity             United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural                                                                                               Organization(UNESCO)Stakeholder                      Min. dell’Istruzione Federale e Formazione Professionale, Pakistan                                                                 National Commission for UNESCO, i Dip. dell’Istruzione provinciali in                                                           Punjab e KP e Dip. dell’Istruzione distrettuali in Bahawalpur e Swat
Partner                                 Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Pakistan
National Commission for UNESCO, Departments of Education for
Punjab and KP, and the District Education Offices in Bahawalpur and
Swat.
•Local implementing partners: National Rural Support Programme
(NRSP), Teacher Resource Centre (TRC) Bahawalpur and Swat;
National Integrated Development Association (NIDA).
•Directorate of Curriculum and Teacher Training, DOAM-KP
•Directorate General of Archeology, Walled City Lahore Authority,
School Education Department (SED), Government of Punjab
•School Education and Literacy Department (SELD), and Directorate of
Curriculum, Assessment and Research (DCAR), Government of Sindh,
Sindh Textbook Board (STBB), Directorate of Culture, Tourism,
Antiquities, and Archives, Government of Sindh
•Department of Tourism, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan; National
Heritage and Culture Division, Department of Archaeology and
Museums, Lok Virsa – National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage,
Government of Pakistan

Local Counterpart         Directorate of Archaeology and Museums del KP nel Culture, Tourism,
Archaeology and Museums Department – DOAMKP
Total Cost                         € 1.500.000
Duration                            21st March 2018 to 31st December 2025
General Objective          Support the Governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in increasing                                                  enrollment rates and improving the quality of girls’ primary education                                                            through training and targeted interventions at both institutional and                                                                community levels, including initiatives related to local cultural heritage.
Specific Objectives        Increase girls’ enrollment in primary schools in the districts of Bahawalpur                                                    and Swat through social mobilization.
• Reduce dropout rates and improve the quality of girls’ primary education                                                     in marginalized communities of Bahawalpur and Swat by enhancing the                                                         school environment and adopting improved teaching approaches.
• Raise girls’ enrollment and reduce dropout rates by strengthening the
capacity of provincial and district government officials to promote the
importance of girls’ education within local communities.
• Engage young students in cultural heritage conservation activities.
• Raise awareness among youth and communities about the importance of                                                    preserving cultural heritage.
• Promote awareness among local governments on the importance of
involving communities in heritage conservation initiatives
Education – Expected
Results•                              Increased support for girls’ education among parents and communities                                                           through alliances with political-religious leaders and parties.
• Strengthened community-based school management systems through the                                                   mobilization and activation of Parents Teacher Councils (PTCs) and School                                                   Management Committees (SMCs).
• Teachers trained in Activity-Based Learning (ABL) and in Multi-Grade
Teaching (MGT).
• Schools functioning with qualified teachers and improved learning                                                                 environments.
• Enhanced knowledge and skills of provincial/territorial officials in
planning, managing, monitoring, and supervising inclusive education.
• Increased awareness among policymakers, parliamentarians, and
government officials regarding the legislation and implementation of
Article 25-A of the Constitution.
• Improved understanding and knowledge of interventions by local
partners to ensure effective implementation.
• Completion of the research agenda, social research, diagnostic studies, and                                                   surveys on girls’ enrolment, attendance, performance, and learning outcomes                                               in primary schools.

Culture – Expected
Result•                             Development and dissemination of promotional and awareness-raising                                                          materials.
• Strengthened teachers’ capacity to appreciate cultural heritage and to                                                            promote student volunteerism.
• Enhanced capacity of communities living near heritage sites and monuments                                              to initiate safeguarding interventions.
• Establishment of community committees/platforms in areas to be                                                                  safeguarded to report on the state of conservation to relevant government                                                      institutions.
• Increased public awareness of the importance and respect for cultural                                                           heritage and diversity.
• Support provided to the Provincial Directorate of Archaeology for
the protection of archaeological sites and to the Ministry of Culture, at both                                                   provincial and federal levels, to promote heritage education advocacy.

Beneficiaries              The direct beneficiaries include at least 8,000 newly enrolled girls, along with                                              200 teachers, headteachers, members of parent-teacher committees, local                                                      partners, and district and provincial officials.
• Students and teachers from primary and secondary schools and madrassas.
• Artisans, youth, entrepreneurs, library and cultural center users, tourists, and                                           community members are also among the beneficiaries.

In line with the current priorities of the government and UNESCO, aiming to deliver educational/informational content to strengthen community resilience by helping to create a learning, engaging and supportive environment, to encourage motivation and support for school attendance with particular attention to female users. Through the use of interactive radio instruction (IRI), the project aims to provide educational content focused on the themes of Sustainable Development (ESD) of Global Citizenship (GCED), Climate Change and Cultural Heritage Conservation as well as to transmit traditional building techniques to foster greater resilience by mitigating the effects of frequent natural disasters.
Deliberation N. 116, CC 09/06/2023
Zone  inter. Gilgit-Baltistan, KP and Baluchistan
Financing Channel

Gender Marker

 Multilateral – Grant

1
SDGs SDG 3, Target 3.4-SDG 4, Target 4.1, 4.5, 4.7-SDG 5, Target 5.b-SDG 11, Target 11.4, 11.b-SDG 16, Target 16.10
Executing Entity UNESCO
 

Partners

 

 

 Stakeholders: Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, and Sports; the
National Division for Heritage and Culture; the National Commission for
UNESCO Pakistan; NAVTTC (National Vocational and Technical Training
Commission); the Ministry of Science and Technology; the Provincial
Education Department; TEVTA (Technical Education and Vocational
Training Authority); the National Institute for Folklore and Traditional
Heritage; and the Provincial Directorate of Culture.
Public and private implementing entities: PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic
Media Regulatory Authority), Radio Pakistan PBC (Pakistan
Broadcasting Corporation), and USF (Universal Service Fund).
Academic institutions: AIOU (Allama Iqbal Open University), NUST
(National University of Sciences and Technology), and provincial
universities
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): local NGOs and community
organizations..
Local Counterpart

Total Cost

  MoFE & PT

 

€ 990,000
Duration 124 months
General Objective BChildren, youth, and adults in remote areas of Pakistan are better
equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities within their
communities and take appropriate action through education and
lifelong learning.
Specific Objectives Enhance educational opportunities and capacities in schools
(students, teachers, and families) through the use of interactive radio
programmes.
• Raise community awareness and encourage the appreciation and
improvement of lifestyles by fostering understanding of
multiculturalism, the richness of origins, intangible heritage, and the
physical environment, with the aim of safeguarding and transmitting
cultural and natural heritage for sustainable development.
• Strengthen institutional capacities to engage with citizens, including
through distance learning modalities.
• Promote partnerships to expand outreach and implementation
Expected Results After-school family learning materials were developed, focusing on
Global Citizenship Education (GCED), Education for Sustainable
Development (ESD), climate-friendly practices, and cultural heritage.
• Teachers’ pedagogical capacities were strengthened to integrate
GCED, ESD, and cultural content into their teaching.
• Target school infrastructures were improved, contributing to a more
conducive learning environment.
• Children’s knowledge and skills were enhanced in areas such as life
skills, cultural heritage (tangible and intangible), basic technical and
vocational education, GCED, and ESD.
• Cultural education radio programmes were produced and
broadcast to engage youth and children, promote creative learning,
safeguard local heritage, and ensure intergenerational knowledge
transfer.
• Awareness was raised on essential health and hygiene practices and
the importance of girls’ education.
• Provincial information departments received institutional support to
promote GCED, ESD, and heritage education.
• Human and technical resources were mobilized for effective
implementation, with adequate communication of results and
ensured visibility.
• Regular monitoring and evaluation processes were conducted to
assess progress and impact.R4.3 Adeguata comunicazione dei risultati e garantita visibilità.R4.4 Monitoraggio e valutazione periodica dei progressi e dei risultati.
Beneficiaries Direct: 30,000 children aged 5–14 and 75,000 adolescents and adults
(including children over 15, teachers, education department officials,
parents, and community members) across 300 primary and secondary
schools.
Indirect: Wider communities and tourists.

Afghanistan projects - Education, training, decent work

The initiative aims at preserving the cultural heritage of the Bamiyan Valley, in particular the site of Shar-e Gholgola, strengthening local capacities through economic and tourist development of the area.

The intervention carried out the following activities:

  1. Conservation of the Shahr-e Gholghola site and mitigation of soil erosion.
  1. Training of the local community working in the cultural industry. In particular producers and entrepreneurs who currently operate within the “Bazar of women” privately run and managed exclusively by women.
  2. Maintenance and improvement of the site entrance, trails and fence work completed in October 2024.
  3. Develop a peer-reviewed study report, updating the editorial product “Keeping history alive: safeguarding cultural heritage in post-conflict Afghanistan”.

The main beneficiaries of the programme were 200 professionals who specialized through the cash-for-work and on-the-job training model implemented during 2024.

 

Zone of intervention Bamyian, northern and eastern zones of Herat
Financing Channel Multibilateral
Codification Ordinary
Delibera  By the Joint Committee No, 143/2016
SDGs SDG 11 – Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Sector of Intervention Conservation and exploitation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage
Gender marker 0
Executing Entity UNESCO
Total Cost € 1.000.000 euro
Duration 1 August 2017 to 10 March 2025

 

The initiative aims to enhance national capacities and the operational framework for the safeguarding and management of the cultural heritage of Bamiyan, strengthening communities through the creation of public cultural spaces and employment and training opportunities in the cultural sector. The focus is particularly on the conservation and valorization of the Cultural Landscape of the Bamiyan Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

UNESCO has completed the development of the management plan as the operational framework for the safeguarding of the Bamiyan Valley, with its approval by the World Heritage Committee anticipated in 2025. The absence of this plan is recognized as a contributing factor to the site’s “in danger” status, which has been in place since its inscription in 2003.

Additionally, a public park has been designed to cover the archaeological sites of the Buddha Cliff, Shahr-e-Zohak, and Shahr-e-Ghulghulah. Due to ongoing controversy surrounding interventions in the Buddha niches, the focus of infrastructure and employment activities has been on Shahr-e-Ghulghulah and the rehabilitation of existing buildings at Shahr-i-Zohak for park management and services.

 

 

 

Zone of intervention Bamyian, northern and eastern zones of Herat
Financing channel Multibilateral
Codification Ordinary
Deliberation By the Joint Committee n.117/2017
SDGs SDG 11 – Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Sector of intervention Conservation and exploitation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage
Gender marker 0
Executing Entity UNESCO
Total Cost € 4.092.120 euro
Durattion 20 May 2019 – 31 March 2026

 

The intervention aims to contribute to making cities and human settlements in Herat and Bamiyan inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The specific objective is to eliminate cases of improper use of UNESCO World Heritage sites and improve the quality of informal settlements in Bamiyan. The direct beneficiaries of the program will be the 33,000 inhabitants of Zargaran and Gozargah, who will benefit from the improvement of the urban area quality through recovery plans and operational interventions.

In response to the events of August 2021, the project aims to prevent the “spontaneous” expansion of settlements and infrastructure that are inadequately equipped, and to invest in promoting participatory and inclusive practices that influence decision-making processes. These processes are aimed at ensuring effective heritage protection and guaranteeing the Afghan people the benefits of sustainable growth in the national tourism and handicrafts sectors.

Zone of intervention Bamyian, northern and eastern zones of Herat
Financing Channel Bilateral
Codification Ordinary
Deliberation Director AICS, n. 96 – 24/12/2019
SDGs SDG 11 – Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Sector of intervention Urban Planning
Gender marker 1
Executing Entity University of Florence – Department of History, Archaeology, Art (SAGAS)
Total Cost € 1.050.000 euro
Duration 1 January 2020 – 31 December 2025

 

 

The initiative aims to improve the living conditions of rural communities through the sustainable management of natural resources, particularly in mountainous areas, across five countries that are members of the FAO Mountain Partnership.

The project seeks to contribute to reducing land degradation, restoring biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem services in selected areas through methodologies designed to analyze environmental and socioeconomic conditions and identify actions to address vulnerabilities in mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Albania, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, and Pakistan.

The activities in Afghanistan are being implemented in collaboration with the NGO CESVI, identified as FAO’s local partner, and involve specialists from Kabul University. Following necessary training, the activities are aimed at preparing an action plan.

Zone of intervention Regional
Financing channel Multibilateral
Codification Ordinary
Deliberation 113 CC 18.12.2019
SDGs SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of the terrestrial ecosystem, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and stop loss of biological diversity

SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth for all

SDG 1: Poverty Eradication “end poverty in all its forms everywhere

SDG 5: Gender Equality to achieve equality and empower all women and girls
Sector of Intervention Conservation and exploitation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage
Gender marker 0
Executing Entity FAO in collaboration with CESVI ETS and University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’
Total Cost € 940.000 euro
Duration 36 months

 

Last update: 11/06/2025, 11:27

Pakistan: education, training and decent work

Decent work, as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO), is based on employment that ensures fair income, safe working environments, social protection, and respect for workers' rights. In Pakistan, achieving this goal remains a complex challenge, influenced by economic, social, and climatic factors, despite efforts by the Government and international organizations to improve working conditions and promote formal employment.

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Pakistan: Protection and promotion of cultural heritage

Pakistan boasts a vast cultural heritage, shaped by millennia of history and the influence of great civilizations. Since the 19th century, excavations and restoration efforts led by archaeologists and experts have renewed interest in the country’s past, spanning from prehistory to Hindu, Greek, Gandharan, Islamic, Mughal, and colonial civilizations. Additionally, indigenous communities, as custodians of ancient traditions, further enrich the country’s intangible heritage.

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