JALALABAD - In the eastern region of Afghanistan, the UN is working on an initiative to leverage the power of local radio and television to build support for government transparency and access to information.

In a recent event, the Jalalabad regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) joined with the eastern region’s Journalists Association to bring media professionals together from across the eastern provinces to strategize on ways to promote access to information and ensure transparency in government programmes.

More than 30 journalists from media outlets in Kunar, Laghman, Nangarhar and Nuristan attended the event to share experiences, discuss the challenges of their daily work and deliberate on key issues around access to information, a right enshrined in Afghanistan’s constitution.

“Media plays a fundamental role in society,” said Luis Gomez-Orodea, head of UNAMA’s Jalalabad office, in remarks to open the event. “There is no question that a free, uncensored and unhindered press is essential in any society to ensure freedom of opinion and expression, and the enjoyment of other rights.”

Kawash Nangial, a radio producer from Laghman, echoed the sentiments expressed by other journalists during the event in saying that it is the responsibility of media to overcome obstacles in producing programmes that are aimed at raising awareness about important issues, such as government transparency and accountability.

The challenges journalists face in Afghanistan’s east are similar to those in other areas of the country, with insecurity ranking at the top of the list. Notwithstanding the challenges, journalists gathered at the event concluded that best way to form the groundwork for better access to information and increased transparency is to maintain trust among communities, civil society groups and local officials.

For his part, Ataullah Khugianay, the spokesperson for Nangarhar’s provincial governor, said his office is doing its best to work with the media and make information available to them.

“We are doing our best to share whatever information is available, including through public social media, where people can share their views, comments and constructive criticism,” he said.

UNAMA has been working with media not only in the country’s east, but also in other parts of Afghanistan, to provide media workers with an opportunity to network, share their experiences, and most importantly bring communities together through accurate news and reporting.

In the four eastern provinces, there are more than 30 independent radio and television outlets. The event was recorded and later broadcast, reaching an audience estimated at one million people in and around Nangarhar.

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.