KABUL - As the people of Afghanistan gather to celebrate the special occasion of Nowruz, I would like to send you my very best wishes for this new year and my congratulations for the progress made so far on the path to peace and stability.

Observed on 21 March by more than 300 million people worldwide, many of them in Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries, Nowruz – the day of the spring equinox – is a time for renewal and celebration. It promotes values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families as well as reconciliation and neighbourliness. It contributes to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities.

This can be seen throughout Afghanistan, in activities ranging from people repainting their homes to spending time with family and friends, from sharing traditional meals to enjoying public festivities such as the Gul-e Surkh (‘Red Flower’) festival in Mazar-i-Sharif.

It is my sincerest wish that this new year brings further prosperity and harmony to the Afghan people, who, after years of conflict, deserve a bright future, filled with optimism and hope.

The United Nations system in Afghanistan will continue in its commitment to providing support to the Afghan people to achieve that bright future.