Our vision
A nationally led platform for
Afghanistan's NGOs
WASL Afghanistan's history, mission, commitments, governance structure and geographical coverage — set out in full.
Who we are
وصل means connection. It is also the whole of our mandate.
WASL Afghanistan is a nationally led NGO coordination, incubation, and institutional strengthening platform established in 2020 to enhance the resilience, sustainability, and collective effectiveness of NGOs across Afghanistan. As one of the country’s largest NGO networks, it connects around 790 member organizations across all 34 provinces through an inclusive, decentralized system representing diverse groups, including women-led, youth-led, disability-led, and returnee-led organizations.
Vision, mission & core values
What we are working towards, and how we work
Our mission
To strengthen, coordinate, and support NGOs through an integrated platform that enhances capacity, compliance, collaboration, and effective humanitarian and development action in Afghanistan.
Integrity, neutrality and accountability
Inclusion, diversity and women's leadership
Collaboration, collective representation and knowledge sharing
Community-centred and sustainable development
Strategic plan
Seven priorities, one framework
WASL Afghanistan's Strategic Plan provides a framework for strengthening NGO coordination, institutional resilience, localization and sustainable development impact. It rests on seven priorities.
01
Institutional strengthening and compliance
Enhancing governance, accountability, safeguarding, compliance and organisational effectiveness.
02
Coordination and collective action
Promoting collaboration, representation, coordination and evidence-based advocacy.
03
Enabling environment and civic space
Supporting constructive engagement and meaningful participation of civil society organisations.
04
Capacity development and incubation
Strengthening organisational capacity through training, mentoring, innovation and incubation support.
05
Knowledge, research and learning
Advancing knowledge sharing, research, learning and evidence-based decision-making.
06
Partnerships and resource mobilisation
Expanding partnerships, collaboration and access to sustainable funding opportunities.
07
Localization and community-centred development
Promoting locally led, inclusive, accountable and sustainable development solutions.
Operational commitments
Fourteen commitments we hold ourselves to
These are the standards WASL applies to its own conduct and asks of its members — the practical expression of our core values.
Localization & national ownership
Coordination & collective action
Accountability, transparency & integrity
Safeguarding, PSEAH & protection
Gender equality & women's leadership
Inclusion, diversity & accessibility
Capacity strengthening & excellence
Partnerships & collaborative development
Knowledge, learning & innovation
Community engagement & accountability
Environmental sustainability
Data protection & ethical information
Anti-fraud & compliance
Do no harm & conflict sensitivity
Our team & meetings
The people behind the platform
A dedicated team of experienced professionals committed to strengthening civil society, enhancing NGO effectiveness, and advancing sustainable development across Afghanistan.
Team photo
Get in touch
Request a meeting with our team
Connect with us to discuss membership, collaboration, coordination, partnerships or other areas of mutual interest.
Governance & inclusion frameworks
How WASL is governed, and who it is for
Governance Framework
The governance structure comprises the General Assembly, Board of Directors, Steering Committee and Board of Management — each with a distinct role in oversight, strategic direction, coordination and operational management. The Steering Committee of 15 elected male and female representatives serves fixed one-year terms, ensuring regular renewal of leadership, accountability and inclusive representation.
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Inclusion Framework
WASL is committed to promoting inclusion, equity, accessibility and meaningful participation for all. We strive to ensure that women, youth, persons with disabilities, returnees and other underrepresented groups have equitable access to opportunities, resources and decision-making. Through inclusive and locally led approaches, WASL fosters a stronger, more representative and resilient civil society sector across Afghanistan.
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Success stories
Coordination, in practice
Institutional developmentBuilding stronger institutions
WASL supported 18 emerging and provincial NGOs through a tailored institutional strengthening programme focused on governance, systems and accountability.
Institutional growthHelping emerging NGOs grow
Through the NGO Incubation Hub, emerging organisations received structured mentoring, governance, compliance and M&E support to reach grant readiness.
National engagementDialogue into collective action
WASL transformed member consultations into one of the country's most inclusive coordination processes, holding roundtables across the regions.
QuickBooks trainingQuickBooks financial excellence
WASL organised QuickBooks Financial Management Training for finance professionals from member organisations across the country.
Success story
Compliance & risk management
The systems that keep funding safe
Policy & compliance
Helping NGOs meet legal, regulatory and donor requirements.
Risk assessment
Identifying, managing and reducing operational and programmatic risks.
Internal controls
Strengthening accountability, transparency and organisational systems.
Safeguarding standards
Promoting integrity, protection and responsible practices.
Geographical coverage
Nationwide presence across all 34 provinces
WASL operates nationwide, with presence and engagement across every province of Afghanistan — ensuring inclusive coordination and equitable support to civil society actors throughout the country.
34Provinces covered
400Districts covered