KABUL - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has signed an agreement with Afghan Cricket Board (ACB) to empower youth in Afghanistan and to provide basic life skills training for  young male and female cricket players.

UNFPA and the ACB will work together towards youth empowerment in Afghanistan. They will jointly organize advocacy campaigns and events, as well as produce materials to challenge gender norms and values that adversely affect women’s and girl’s rights. They will advocate for girls to stay at schools and for them to be involved in sports, promoting the health of young mothers and reducing the number of child marriages.

The Chief Executive Officer of ACB, Dr. Noor Mohammad Murad, said he believed that cricket in Afghanistan provides a good platform for both social and development activities given that the game has gained in popularity among the youth following the national team’s successes in international matches.

The UNFPA press release notes Afghanistan’s sizeable youth population, with estimates showing 63 percent to be below 25 years of age, and highlights that international experience shows that investing in youth, particularly girls, helps to bring countries out of poverty and conflict.