Leaders and officials from over 70 nations have gathered in Brussels to discuss how to help the Afghan government battle militants such as al-Qaeda, as well as corruption.
International donors have pledged $15 billion to help keep Afghanistan's government operating for the next four years.
The move comes despite growing reluctance to provide more money to the corruption-plagued country that has been wracked by conflict.
More than 70 nations promised the funds, which still fell short of the international commitments made last time in Tokyo in 2012.
Speaking at the European Union donor conference in Belgium, Afghan chief executive Abdullah Abdullah says the pledges send a message of hope to the Afghan people.
"I'm heartened to see the international community and donor nations treat Afghanistan as a multi-year and long-term aid partner, knowing full well that we are very much focused on self-reliance. This pragmatic approach makes sense and will help us all with better planning, coordination and implementation."
As donors met, Afghan forces battled the Taliban in the northern city of Kunduz for a third straight day, following multiple attacks launched by militants earlier in the week.
The Afghan government is estimated to be capable of meeting only 20 per cent of its budget.
Almost 40 per cent of the population lives on less than $2 a day.
International Organisation for Migration director-general William Lacy Swing says, although there are many conflicts in the region, Afghanistan should not be forgotten.
"I think we also need to realise that Afghanistan is in competition with six or seven other crises around the world, including most of all Syria, of course Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, Central African Republic ... there are so many crises going on at one time. But I think Afghanistan is one of those crises that has received the most consistent attention and support, because I think people realise they are very much deserving of all of our support at this point."
The European Union and its 28 member states pledged $5.6 billion in total, making it the biggest donor.
Afghanistan is required to sign up to a series of political, economic and social reforms in return for the money.
Norway Foreign Affairs Minister Borge Brende says the funds will help in many areas, including health, but the government needs to play its part as well.
"The government of Afghanistan has to step up their fight against corruption, has to do more when it comes to cooperation, has to do more when it comes to good governance. And we also have to look at political processes. So this is really a partnership."
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini says Afghan officials should know many countries and companies are ready to offer support.
"This common work, this common responsibility, continues tomorrow. It continues here in Brussels, and you can count on us. It continues in all the countries and organisations that are sitting around this table, and it continues in Kabul."
