KABUL - Effective coordination between government officials and the communities they serve will lead to improved public services and better development initiatives, stressed Logar participants at a UN-backed event in Kabul.

More than 20 civil society leaders travelled from Logar, along with media representatives and provincial authorities, to discuss public services in the central province and bolster socioeconomic development there.

In his opening remarks, Logar Governor Mohammad Anwar Eshaqzai said media representatives and civil society are essential for improving government services, such as healthcare and education, because they work directly with communities, including in remote areas.

“Media and civil society closely interact with local communities and are a bridge between the people and the government,” said Eshaqzai. “Let’s work together to bring development to Logar.”

In the lively discussion that followed, those attending the symposium underscored the need for active community engagement with the government to drive lasting change.

Noorullah Stanikzai, head of the Logar Journalists Association, called for mutual trust between authorities and the media to promote good governance, rule of law and human rights, in particular the rights of women and children.

For her part, Yalda Sadat, head of the Logar Women’s Council, drew attention to the need to empower women and girls in the province by providing them with access to education and employment opportunities.

Sadat expressed concern about the lack of schools for girls in several districts, such as in Baraki Barak, where many schools, including the only girls’ school there, have been shuttered due to security concerns. Sadat also noted that women are “grossly underrepresented” in Logar government.

Logar, one of six provinces in Afghanistan’s central region, borders Nangarhar to the east and Kabul to the north. In recent years, the mostly rural province has been restive with insurgency activities, causing disruption of government services, underdevelopment and poverty.

At the close of the event, which was organized by UNAMA’s central regional office, participants jointly called to forge stronger ties among all stakeholders to improve services and security, and to protect the human rights of those living in the province.

UNAMA works with various institutions and individuals, including media stations, religious leaders, provincial councils, community leaders, youth groups and women to create platforms – using radio, social media, and television – for Afghans to engage in dialogue on pressing issues affecting their communities.

In accordance with its mandate as a political mission, UNAMA supports the Afghan people and government to achieve peace and stability. UNAMA backs conflict prevention and resolution, promoting inclusion and social cohesion, as well as strengthening regional cooperation. The Mission supports effective governance, promoting national ownership and accountable institutions that are built on respect for human rights.