Paktika community leaders develop peace programme at UN-backed event

5 Dec 2016

Paktika community leaders develop peace programme at UN-backed event

SHARANA - Agreement between community leaders on a programme to support local peace initiatives was a key outcome of a UN-backed event in southeastern Paktika province.

During the gathering, more than 40 participants – including Provincial Governor Mohammad Ilyas Wahdat, Provincial Council members, civil society groups and media representatives – discussed the dynamics of peace, including ways to promote improved working relationships in the province.

Mr. Wahdat, echoing the sentiments expressed by others at the meeting, called peace a cornerstone of human life and urged leaders to support community cohesion by sharing messages of peace.

The event was widely covered by Paktika’s local broadcast media and also by national media.

The mostly rural Paktika province, which shares a border with Pakistan, has been the scene of ongoing conflict in recent years.

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.