JALALABAD - The crucial role played by young Afghans in peace building was highlighted at a UNAMA-backed TV roundtable in Jalalabad, the provincial capital of eastern Nangarhar province.

Lutfullah Qarizada, a civil society activist said “People are thirsty for peace. If youth are supported properly, they can become ambassadors of peace.”

Mr. Qarizada said that peace will definitely come to Afghanistan so long as youth take an active part in peace efforts.

A five-member panel, consisting of representatives of civil society, academia and local government, took part in the event which was broadcast as a 30 minute pre-recorded programme on Jalalabad-based Sharq TV and Radio to an estimated audience of 500,000 people.

Panelists called on Afghan youth to be strong and empowered, and to play a vital role in peace building as well as development of the country.

Shila Baburi, a lecturer at Nangarhar University, said “Unfortunately, over the past four decades, most of our youth have lived in an unstable environment which has severely affected them.”

Despite this, young people are a power of good for peace and reconstruction, and can contribute to bringing peace, stability and prosperity to the country, said Ms. Baburi.

Shafiqullah Shegiwal, a representative of the Nangarhar Youth Sub-Directorate said that many youth were leaving the country, but it was important that they stay and help to contribute to Afghanistan’s development.

Mr. Shegiwal praised youth for taking the initiative to organize their own activities, which should receive financial and technical supported where possible, including through implementation of the Afghan National Youth Policy, a roadmap for the development of youth in the country.

“The role of youth in peace advocacy is crucial,” said Mr. Shegiwal.

Another panelist, Sayed Asghar Hashemi, a university lecturer, pointed to the relative lack of youth employed in local government. Recruiting by local authorities of more young people would help to build the capacity of youth and increase their contribution to the community.

Nangarhar province, which shares a porous border with Pakistan, has a strong agricultural base and hosts a significant trade route linking Afghanistan and Pakistan. There is ongoing insecurity, with both Taliban and Islamic State militants maintaining an active presence.

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.