The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit is an independent research – based institution in Kabul established in 2002 with the support of the international community in Afghanistan. The purpose of the office is to actively disseminate the results and findings of its research through evidence-based high quality policy-related research in Afghanistan to influence the policies and functioning of institutions. On the other hand, with its research dissemination, the AREU seeks to strengthen the culture of research, and education and training in the country which is in line with SDGs. To this end, the Afghan Research and Evaluation Unit works actively and closely with policymakers, civil society activists, researchers and donors in the development process to increase the use of the library and its research. It also strengthens research and research capacities and provides the basis for analysis, discussion and discourse.
On behalf of the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit as an independent research institution in Afghanistan, we are proud to have been able to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Kateb University; thereby, working together on major initiatives such as today›s conference on SDGs. The Strategic Plan of the Research and Evaluation Unit of Afghanistan states that. In addition to research carried out in different areas, it will conduct studies in coordination and cooperation with respected government departments that are primarily responsible for pursuing Sustainable Development Goals of Afghanistan, in particular, the Ministry of Economy and executive committees; so that, we can assist government collaborations through research and study. Goal 16 pertaining to justice and peace has two indicators which are money transfer index and weapon transfer index. There has to be work on the big problem which is the illegitimate economy. A primary example of this illicit economy is the production and processing of heroin. The value of this illicit economic activity in Afghanistan is estimated to be $863 million based on Afghan R&D studies.
More than half a million people have to work in the illegitimate economy. More than 263,000 hectares of land are used in this illegal economy. And about 10 percent of the GDP of the Afghan economy is derived from this illegitimate economy. This is regrettable that anti-government forces and some individuals and powers within the system benefit from it. If we are to achieve the goals of sustainable development in Afghanistan, we must move based on evidence and facts. Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit are working to clarify these facts and evidence
Holding this conference is a great initiative by Kateb University as there is a pressing need for academic institutions such as Kateb University and research institutions such as the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit to collaborate with the government through extensive research and study so as to help achieve the goals of Afghanistan›s sustainable development.
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