Y-PEER Afghanistan, officially known as the Youth Peer Education Network Afghanistan Organization (YPAO), was established in the early 2010s as part of the global Y-PEER movement initiated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The initiative emerged in response to the growing need for inclusive, youth-centered platforms that could empower young people in Afghanistan to lead change in their communities through education, awareness, and active participation. Initially operating through small-scale youth-led initiatives, YPAO quickly expanded across provinces, uniting young volunteers from diverse backgrounds under a shared vision of progress, inclusion, and resilience. The network pioneered innovative peer education methodologies and developed interactive, community-based programs aimed at addressing pressing challenges faced by Afghan youth in both urban and rural settings. Over time, YPAO’s work grew beyond its original health-focused roots. The organization evolved into a dynamic force for youth mobilization and capacity building, placing young people at the forefront of social transformation. By creating safe spaces for dialogue, promoting evidence-based education, and encouraging critical thinking and leadership, YPAO helped cultivate a new generation of informed, responsible, and engaged citizens. Despite the complex socio-political realities facing Afghanistan, YPAO has remained committed to values of inclusivity, human dignity, and youth-led innovation. Its community-centered programs have continuously adapted to address emerging challenges—strengthening social cohesion, fostering resilience in times of crisis, and inspiring hope through local action. .