The History of NAC
Founded in 1980 in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC) has been a steadfast ally of the Afghan people for over four decades. Initially established as a grassroots solidarity movement, over the years the member-based organisation has adapted its focus to meet the evolving needs of Afghanistan, particularly during periods of conflict, humanitarian crises, and reconstruction efforts.
Throughout NAC’s history and today, members have been contributing to the organisation on a volunteer basis.
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"In Norway, the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee has worked consistently to inform politicians and the public about the challenges in Afghanistan, with a clear message of maintaining support for the country."
In the 1980s, NAC became a vital player in raising international awareness about the Soviet invasion, organising protests, and providing direct humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees. After the Soviet forces withdrew in 1989, NAC shifted its efforts towards supporting Afghanistan’s reconstruction, despite the ongoing civil war that followed. Throughout the 1990s, the organisation continued its work by providing education, healthcare, environmental protection and humanitarian aid.
The turn of the millennium marked a new chapter for NAC, with a renewed focus on long-term development projects.
NAC gradually developed a methodology of integrated rural development, aiming to address the root causes of poverty in rural Afghanistan. With a community-driven approach, initiatives within education, climate smart agriculture, natural resource management, health, dialogue and disaster risk management are combined to achieve sustainable results within partner communities.
Within Norway, NAC has continued its efforts to keep policy makers and the greater public informed about development challenges in Afghanistan, advocating for continued support to the country. Throughout the years, more than 50 women and men, with diverse backgrounds, from Afghanistan have visited Norway to participate in seminars, debates and events. NAC has also established Afghanistan-week as a bi-annual event for Afghan and international researchers, activists, journalists and practitioners to come together and share experiences, learn and discuss issues related to the country.
Today, NAC remains one of the longest-serving NGOs in Afghanistan, continuing its mission to support sustainable development, promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights, and improve the quality of life for the Afghan people, particularly in rural areas.
