GARDEZ - To promote participatory and accountable governance in the interest of Afghanistan’s development, participants at a UN-backed event in the capital of the southeastern Paktya province launched a civil society coordination group.

Some 200 people, including Provincial Governor Nasratullah Arsala, community leaders and representatives from civil society organizations, attended the event to enhance coordination between government entities and the private sector and to set up channels to address problems and enhance public trust in government.

Those representing civil society organizations, operating across Paktya, one of Afghanistan’s most mountainous provinces with many rural communities, focused their discussion on coordinating efforts toward social reform, improving rule of law and working effectively with provincial government.

Mohammad Rehman Qadri, secretary of the Paktya’s Provincial Council, assured those attending the event of the full support of the council and pledged to have regular monthly meetings with the civil society groups.

Governor Arsala also assured those in attendance of the full support of the governor’s office.

The event was facilitated by the regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides good offices; promotes coherent development support by the international community; supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.