BAGHLAN - The advocacy role of young Afghans in working with government to fight corruption and promote women’s equality in the workplace was the focus of an open debate and televised roundtable discussion in north-eastern Baghlan province this week.

The event, attended by local authorities and youth leaders, was designed to increase youth participation in public life and help better define the responsibilities of youth in their work with local-level government. Subjects for discussion ranged from the fight against corruption to helping women and girls achieve their full potential.

“The main threat for girls and women in governmental and non-governmental organizations is sexual harassment,” said Syah Moi Waezi, a young rights activist who highlighted the challenges that girls and women face in the work place. “That’s why their participation is so low, and that is what we need to address.”

Young Afghans are considered key to resolving long-standing conflict and discrimination in Afghan society. Baghlan, which rest at the foot of Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountain range, like several other provinces in Afghanistan, has been troubled with armed conflict in recent years. Amid rising tension, the UN and Afghan civil society groups, including youth groups, are seeking ways to insert dialogue into the equation, and move all groups toward a long and sustainable peace process.

This week’s debate and discussion was backed by the regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan’s (UNAMA) in partnership with the newly established Baghlan Youth Parliament, which was established last year and has been organizing a series of events to discuss conflict resolution and highlight the roles of women and youth in promoting good and transparent governance.

“Youth is the key element of good governance, and our young generation is bringing visible and positive change,” said Abdul Satar Barez, Baghlan’s Provincial Governor.

Ahmad Nasir Hairan, a member of the Youth Parliament and a speaker at the debate, insisted on the role of young Afghans in combatting corruption. “We, the youth, don’t allow anyone to represent us,” he said. “We must change that and raise our voices for ourselves. We have the ability to bring reform and change through our presence in the government and engagement in democratic activities. Our activism can be a serious threat to the activities of corrupt people.”

According to most estimates, some three quarters of Afghanistan’s population is below the age of 30, and many development experts say that nothing can be achieved in the country without having the biggest segment of the population on board.

Youth have to be encouraged to play an active role in efforts towards achieving national unity, good governance, and respect for human rights, said Mr. Hairan.

Others attending the discussion and debate insisted that to advance the process of peace in Afghanistan, it will be essential to empower the young generation and teach them how to engage actively in decision-making at all levels in the government. This week’s debate sparked discussion about civic responsibilities as well as the role of sub-national governance.

The recorded discussions broadcast via Tanweer TV, Radio Arezo and Radio Sana, reached an estimated 500,000 residents in Pul-e-Khumri, the provincial capital, and in surrounding areas.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan in a political mission that provides 'good offices' among other key services. 'Good offices' are diplomatic steps that the 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.