Growing Greener Leaders for a Greener Afghanistan

Smog viewable over Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to the risks and consequences of climate change. Here's how Ascend is partnering with Green for Girls to empowering young Afghan women to step up for climate action.

When people think about climate change, they often picture melting glaciers, rising sea levels, or devastating wildfires. But for Afghanistan, climate change is much closer to home. It affects the water families depend on, the crops that sustain communities, the health of communities, and the opportunities available to the next generation.

Though Afghanistan contributes little to global greenhouse gas emissions–less than .1 percent of global totals–it’s among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Since 1950, average temperatures have risen by approximately 1.8°C, contributing to more frequent droughts, floods, and water scarcity affecting communities across the country. 

At the same time, waste management remains a growing environmental challenge. In many areas, limited waste collection and recycling systems lead to open dumping and burning, polluting the air, contaminating soil and water, and posing risks to public health. These challenges highlight why environmental education is no longer optional, it is essential for building resilient communities and preparing young people to respond to the realities of climate change.

"Partnerships like Green for Girls demonstrate how shared expertise can create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom."

At Ascend, we believe leadership goes beyond business, education, or the workplace. It also means taking responsibility for the communities we live in and the future we want to build. That’s why, as part of our entrepreneurship program, we’ve partnered with Green for Girls. Their commitment to environmental education is helping us ensure that our participants graduate not only as aspiring entrepreneurs but also as informed environmental stewards.

The Business of Environmentalism

At its core, entrepreneurship is about solving problems and creating opportunities. Recognizing this, today’s entrepreneurs have a responsibility to think about sustainability and how to solve the inevitable environmental issues that often accompany any business endeavor. And yet, environmental challenges–and the science behind them–can often feel overwhelming, complex, and difficult to grasp. 

Still, meaningful change begins with knowledge. When people understand how climate change and waste affect their daily lives, they are better equipped to make informed choices and inspire those around them. 

This is where Ascend’s partnership with Green for Girls becomes vital. Participants in our entrepreneurship program attended a series of interactive online sessions–led and sponsored by Green for Girls–encouraging the women to connect environmental challenges with their own homes, neighborhoods, and future businesses. 

Women participate in a Green for Girls workshop in Afghanistan, in partnership with Ascend.

Green for Girls brought expertise in environmental education, while Ascend provided a platform for ambitious young women to develop their leadership, confidence, and entrepreneurial skills. Together, we created learning opportunities that expanded participants’ perspectives and introduced many to environmental concepts they had never explored before.

“I want my future business to be successful, but I also want it to be responsible,” one participant reflected. “These sessions helped me think about sustainability in a completely new way.”

Of course, education is about more than simply gaining knowledge: It’s about changing perspectives and inspiring action. 

“Before these classes, I thought climate change was something happening somewhere else,” one participant shared. “Now I understand how it affects my own community, and that even small actions can make a difference.”

Making an Impact on Climate Change Outside of the Classroom 

As participants developed business ideas throughout the program, they were encouraged to consider questions such as:

• How can my business reduce waste?

• How can I use resources more responsibly?

• How can my business contribute positively to my community and the environment?

These conversations helped participants visualize how successful businesses can also create positive environmental impact. Sustainability is not a separate goal from entrepreneurship—it strengthens it.

Meanwhile, the learning doesn’t end when the program concludes.

Ascend graduates leave the program with practical entrepreneurship skills, increased confidence, stronger leadership abilities, and a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility. Whether they launch businesses, mentor others, or become active members of their communities, they carry these lessons with them.

When environmental awareness becomes part of entrepreneurship, its impact extends far beyond the classroom. One entrepreneur can influence customers, one graduate can inspire a family, and one informed young woman can help shape a more sustainable community.

This ripple effect is how lasting change begins.

Join us. Help Ascend and Green for Girls empower Afghan women to affect change.

Meaningful change happens when organizations, communities, and individuals work together.

Partnerships like Green for Girls demonstrate how shared expertise can create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. As Ascend continues empowering young women through entrepreneurship, leadership, health, and community engagement, we welcome partnerships with organizations that share our vision of a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Afghanistan.

Together, we can equip the next generation of women leaders to build stronger businesses, healthier communities, and a brighter future for Afghanistan.

About GREEN for GIRLS 

GREEN for GIRLS (Girl’s Revolution Through Education and Environmental Nurturing) is an independent educational initiative based in Canada, led by educators and researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC). By combining educational expertise with a commitment to empowering young women, GREEN for GIRLS equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become environmentally conscious leaders who create positive change in their communities.