Herat Urban Planning: Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate approved a comprehensive master plan for Herat city, aiming for “sustainable growth” with new zoning, a planned new city on 50,000 jeribs, road expansion, industrial/logistics zones, traffic relief, green spaces, and upgrades to water supply and sewage networks. Water & Food Security Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Afghanistan agreed to set up a Kabul-based education and research center on water resource management, irrigation, and sustainable agriculture, with Kazakh universities supporting training, joint research, and modern solutions for water security and climate adaptation. Regional Water Governance: A separate Kazakh-Afghan initiative also points to a joint water resources management center in Kabul, underlining shared pressure from climate and food insecurity. Clean Water Needs: UN reporting highlights that 16 million people in Afghanistan still need clean water and sanitation support, keeping water access at the top of the environmental and public health agenda. Climate Risk to Children: UNICEF warns worsening climate change is increasing child malnutrition risks in Afghanistan, linking environmental stress directly to nutrition outcomes. Local Industry & Livelihoods: Bamyan says 32 production facilities have started operations since 2021, including carpet weaving, detergent production, and dairy processing—small steps that can reduce pressure on households while supporting more resilient local economies. EU-Taliban Deportation Talks: Brussels opened dialogue with Taliban-linked officials behind closed doors, expected to focus on deportations—an issue with major knock-on effects for displacement pressures and humanitarian conditions.