Two-Day Workshop Launched to Finalize ARCS Strategic Plan for 2026 - 2030
Monday, January 12, 2026
A two-day workshop was launched in Kabul to finalize the ARCS strategic plan for the next five years, which aims to organize humanitarian services and achieve effective results. The event was attended by ARCS General President Sheikh-ul-Hadith Shahabuddin Delawar; Vice President Hafiz Azizur Rahman; Under-Secretary Generals; advisors; heads of central departments; directors of regional zones and provincial branches; and representatives from partner organizations. The workshop seeks to gather input from relevant officials across the country regarding community needs, disaster response, and preparedness for potential emergencies.
In the opening session, Mr. Delawar welcomed the participants and highlighted that ARCS operates throughout Afghanistan via seven regional zones and 34 provincial branches. He emphasized that the organization provides a wide range of humanitarian services focused on health, self-reliance, and alleviating the hardships faced by affected communities.
He added that, with a strong and extensive humanitarian workforce, ARCS is well-equipped to effectively implement this strategic plan nationwide, delivering timely and quality assistance to those in need, disaster-affected individuals, female-headed households, and patients requiring medical care.
Mr. Delawar also stressed that transparency, justice, neutrality, and impartiality remain core priorities for ARCS. Assistance is provided without discrimination, from repatriated refugees to vulnerable, affected, and female-headed families. He further assured that construction of the congenital heart disease hospital is nearing completion and, once operational, it will treat between 2,000 and 3,000 patients annually.
Under-Secretary General for Operational Affairs Mawlawi Rohullah Abdul Salaam shared detailed information about the strategic plan development process. He thanked the partners for their efforts and described the plan as a crucial step toward addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable, female-headed, and needy families.
Mr. Charles Sabga, ICRC Head of Operations in Afghanistan, praised ARCS as a well-established and highly trusted organization. He noted that its strong reputation results from its wide geographic reach, the dedication of its staff, and the tireless efforts of its volunteers, which enable the society to provide transparent, timely, and effective assistance during emergencies. Mr. Sabga emphasized the importance of the strategic plan and pledged to sustain humanitarian cooperation.
Following this, Mr. Hosam Faysal, Head of the IFRC Delegation in Afghanistan, commended ARCS’s long-standing strength in humanitarian services. He highlighted the society’s vital role in supporting vulnerable, needy, and helpless families. Mr. Faisal assured that cooperation with ARCS will continue in mobilizing humanitarian aid and engaging in humanitarian diplomacy to secure more resources and extend support to an even greater number of vulnerable and disaster-affected families.
During the two-day workshop, partners as well as central, regional, and provincial officials will share their perspectives and feedback. The objective is to develop a comprehensive, inclusive plan that addresses past gaps and effectively meets the needs of vulnerable, disaster-affected families, orphans, patients, female-headed households, and those engaged in street begging nationwide.
