Hindu Kush-Pamir glaciers are retreating 65% faster than the previous decade, threatening 2 billion people across 16 countries. This comprehensive technical assessment reveals a $6.2-9.5 billion annual financing gap and strategic adaptation pathways for Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Read the full analysis from Horizon Bridge Consulting.

New HBC research maps 82 online businesses and interviews 70 Afghan women entrepreneurs who turned Instagram and WhatsApp into full e-commerce channels after 2021, revealing strong growth, specific skill gaps, and clear opportunities for targeted donor interventions.

Afghanistan’s microfinance sector contracted 91% between 2021-2023. Only 10% of the population has access to formal financial services. Yet amidst economic collapse—27% GDP contraction, $9 billion frozen central bank assets, and severe deflation—a counterintuitive signal emerged: Islamic microfinance products recorded 100% repayment rates.

Health service programs in fragile contexts often struggle to move beyond donor dependence to genuine community adoption and sustainability. Our evaluation examined how an integrated health service program builds community trust, achieves service utilization, and establishes conditions for long-term sustainability across multiple operational settings.

A training initiative designed for 1,000 learners unexpectedly reached over 500,000 youth, reshaping expectations and outcomes. With 300+ trained participants, 37% learning improvement, and 25+ employment placements, this UNDP-supported program demonstrates how strong demand, employer engagement, and hybrid delivery models can scale youth skills development in Afghanistan.

This evaluation of a €4.5M emergency response program shows what actually works in fragile contexts. Across six provinces, the program achieved a 94% delivery rate and intentionally reached 33% persons with disabilities through protection-focused design. Our mixed-methods assessment reveals the operational choices that drove exceptional results.

In a move to better understand and address air pollution in the city, HBC has announced a new partnership with AQMesh, a leading provider of outdoor air quality monitoring systems. Through this collaboration, HBC has installed two advanced air quality monitoring pods that are now operational in Kabul’s PD 10 and PD 3 districts. The

AQMesh offers a state-of-the-art air quality monitoring system with MCERTS certification for PM2.5 and PM10. It is ideal for various applications including fenceline monitoring, industrial emissions, and urban air quality assessments.

At the end of the day, going forward, a new normal that has evolved from generation.

User generated content in real-time will have multiple touchpoints for offshoring.