BAMYAN - At a UN-backed event, government officials, provincial council members and civil society in Bamyan emphasized stronger partnership to improve governance and service delivery including in remote districts.

The meeting, supported by the regional office of UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), brought together over 30 head of line departments, provincial council members, civil society representatives, youth, women groups and media.

Participants discussed the effectiveness and inclusiveness of government programmes in education, health, infrastructure and agriculture sectors as the main services for communities in Bamyan. Mr. Asif Mubaligh, deputy Governor of Bamyan stressed the importance of civil society and community leaders in improving public service delivery. “The input of community leaders in planning and project implementation has been crucial for aligning government programmes to community needs” he said.

Civil society in central province of Bamyan have been active and vocal in raising community concerns regarding provincial and national level development programmes. “The forum today provided an opportunity to identify further challenges in public service delivery and explore ways to enhance accountability of government institutions,” said Ismail Zaki, a senior civil society member in Bamyan. “Civil society participation in local governance is helping to bridge the gap between government and local communities.” He added.

Participants stressed the need for transparency in public service recruitments. Meanwhile, Shahrbanou Haidery, a women rights activists in Bamyan bemoaned the low number of women in government and called for “supportive measures to promote transparency and encourage women to take up employment in government,” said Haidery.

UNAMA in Bamyan has been supporting discussions and fora to strengthen civil society engagement in local planning and decision making to promote transparency and accountability as key elements of good governance.

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 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.