ZABUL - The crucial role of government in working closely with local residents to address conflict as it emerges, as well as to implement development projects in coordination with local communities, is critical for the success of Zabul, said participants at a UN-backed event in the southern province this week.

The symposium on governance, which also focused on anti-corruption and conflict-resolution, was facilitated by the Kandahar regional office of UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) with the support of local civil society groups and government officials. The event was attended by more than 30 civil society representatives, government officials, provincial council members and community representatives from across the southern province.

In opening remarks, the Director of the Provincial Department of Economy, Abdu Wali Aziz, expressed appreciation for efforts to promote strong collaboration between civil society organizations and the local government. “Good-governance is important in all socio-economic developments in the province, and it should be a pillar in the promotion of democratic values, gender equality, socio-economic development, transparency, inclusive elections and stability,” he said.

Others attending the event talked about the importance of Zabul provincial officials listening to the concerns of residents, making progress in fighting corruption, and ensuring transparency, as doing so, they said, would enable more effective services delivery to communities across the province, which in return would result in greater stability and ultimately peace.

This was the second such UN-backed event in a planned series of gatherings on good-governance, anti-corruption and economic empowerment in the southern region. The first event, organized in Nimroz in early August, focused on the issues around the contributions women can make to that province’s economic development.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides 'good offices' among other key services. 'Good offices' are diplomatic steps UN takes publicly and in private, drawing on its independence, impartiality and integrity, to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating or spreading.

UNAMA also promotes coherent development support by the international community; assists 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.