KUNDUZ - Addressing residents of Kunduz province in a UN-backed televised debate, community leaders emphasized the critical importance of institutionalizing the principles of peace at all levels of society, from the social to the political.

In the televised event, panellists not only underscored the importance of peace in achieving sustainable development, but also highlighted the achievements related to those turning from insurgency and joining society through the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Programme.

Wahidulla Rahmani, secretary of the Kunduz Provincial Peace Committee, said the programme has led to hundreds of people abandoning the insurgency. “The reconcilers returned to a common life beside their families, without fear,” he said.

Panellists also discussed the crucial role of religious scholars in local peace initiatives. Afghanistan’s religious scholars, known as Ulema, set moral standards for their communities. Many work as peace brokers, exerting influence on community decisions.

“Because religious scholars are respected and have influence on their communities, their efforts toward generating a culture of peace can be very effective,” said panellist Mawlawi Abdul Baqi Rustaqi, a Kunduz religious scholar.

“Islam teaches us to avoid anything that results in violence and disunity,” said panellist Mawlawi Ata Mohammad, another religious scholar. He added that community leaders should work toward peace in tandem with the government’s efforts to fight corruption and eradicate discrimination.

The event, part of a series of televised debates in the northeast region of Afghanistan, was organized by the Kunduz regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to support peace efforts in Kunduz, Takhar, Baghlan and Badakhshan.
The recorded discussions was edited and later broadcasted via local radio and television, reaching an audience estimated at 500,000 in and around the provincial capital.

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 national and 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.