Kurzbeschreibung
(Englisch)
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AREU is an independent research institution headquartered in Kabul. It is the successor organization to the Strategic Monitoring Unit (SMU), which was first envisaged in 1988 as part of the United Nation’s Strategic Framework initiative and restructured to AREU in 2002 by the assistance community working in Afghanistan. AREU has a board of directors with representation from donors, UN and other multilateral agencies, and NGOs. Since its formation with only three staff supplemented by consultants, to its current stature of 55 professional staff supplemented by consultants, AREU has grown significantly in capacity, and organizational development. Most important is that AREU has established itself as a substantial, independent, and well-respected institution, and key player in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
AREU's objective is to conduct high-quality policy oriented research that informs and influences policy, practice and programmes in order to increase the accountability, effectiveness and impact of reconstruction and development activities in Afghanistan. AREU actively promotes a culture of research and learning by facilitating reflection and debate, conducting strategic level evaluations and strengthening analytical capacity in Afghanistan. Through information, dissemination and advocacy, AREU also builds awareness and knowledge in the civil society, with the aim to eventually contribute to improved Afghan livelihoods.
AREU’s strengths lie in its reputation as a well established institution with high capacity, transparency, integrity and work quality. Moreover, it is the most respected research unit based inside Afghanistan (mostly research is provided by think tanks outside the country). AREU’s comparative advantages is its independence, neutrality and impartiality, since its work is also seen as providing an important space for reflection and analysis within a rather unpredictable assistance environment. To date, AREU has produced more than 120 research based publications, five annual editions of the A to Z Guide to Afghanistan Assistance, quarterly issues of the trilingual Afghanistan Research Newsletter, and a multitude of research papers.
The expected results for 2008–10 are i) to produce and disseminate publications of research reports and other materials focused on thematic areas of Governance, Political Economy and Markets, Livelihoods, Natural Resources Management, Gender, Education, and Health; ii) to achieve targeted outreach and advocacy on key policy issues; and iii) to maintain increased engagement with Afghan institutions in strengthening the capacity and culture of research.
As an important part of its implementation strategy, AREU will continue to conduct its research, outreach, and capacity building activities in partnership with other likeminded institutions such as Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Danish Committee for Aid to Afghan Refugees (DACAAR), German Agro Action (GAA), Christian Aid, Save the Children, and the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC).
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has been a key supporter of AREU (and the former SMU) since its establishment in 1998. Since then, SDC has provided essential core funding, as well as dedicated grants for specific purposes. SDC has always played a crucial role in the life of the institution, as its Country Director served as Chairman of the AREU managing board until last year.
As it has been the case in the past, AREU will continue to manage its core funding in a pooled manner, which provides flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to emerging priorities. The total budget requirement for the three-year period (2008-2010) is estimated at USD 7.6 million. SDC is requested to contribute CHF1’550’000. Although the final percentage will depend on other donors’ commitments, it is estimated that SDC’s contribution to AREU’s annual operating budget will be roughly 12% of the total, as was the case in both 2006 and 2007. The EC, UNICEF, SIDA and DFID have already committed US$ 3.2 million for 2008-2009. Furthermore, AREU is in discussions with Norway and Denmark for renewal of their contributions upon the termination of their current grants at the end of 2007.
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