HERAT - A group of women leaders from across Afghanistan gathered in the western city of Herat to underscore the importance and need for greater involvement of women in building peace, preventing conflict and countering violent extremism.

CHARIKAR - The active participation of all Afghans in peace-building is necessary for creating a more stable, inclusive and peaceful country, said panellists in a UN-backed radio programme broadcast in the central province of Parwan.

KABUL - The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) notes the announcement by Afghan electoral authorities for the presidential election to be held in July 2019 and welcomes the clarity in the electoral calendar.

NEW YORK - The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack that took place in Kabul, Afghanistan, on 24 December, targeting a government building, which resulted in at least 43 people killed and 27 people injured.

SAR-E-PUL - A strong partnership between government and civil society is a critical necessity for improved service delivery, good governance and rural development, said participants at a UN-backed event in the northern province of Sar-e-Pul.