GARDEZ - The advocacy role of young Afghans in working with government to fight corruption, promote women’s equality and bring about sustainable peace was the focus of an open debate in the south-eastern province of Paktika 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 young Afghans 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.

Young Afghans are considered key to resolving long-standing conflict and discrimination in Afghan society. Paktika, 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 move all groups toward a long and sustainable peace process.

This week’s debate was backed by the Gardez regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which has been organizing a series of similar events to discuss conflict resolution and highlight the role of youth in promoting good and transparent governance.

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.

The UN-backed event held in Sharana, the provincial capital of Paktika, was attended by Provincial Governor Mohammad Ilyas Wahdat, who urged young Afghans to get a good education and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Local radio and television stations broadcast the debate, reaching an audience estimated at 200,000 people in and around Paktika.

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.