GARDEZ - Enhancing the transparency and accountability of government in the interest of improving ties with local communities was the focus of a UN-backed event in the Waza Zadran district of the south-eastern province of Paktya.

The event, which drew community leaders, district authorities and youth activists, was set up by the Gardez regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to provide a forum for community leaders and government officials to exchange ideas about ways to build trust, enhance cooperation and improve government services.

The event follows other similar UNAMA-organized meetings, all arranged with the aim of helping to build constructive links between local communities and the government officials serving them.

Maulavi Karim, one of the community leaders speaking at the event, said the community is committed to cooperating with government in implementing public welfare projects, especially in building a new high school for girls and another for boys.

Haji Zainullah Khan, another community leader, spoke at the event to stress the need for improved health and social services in the area.

Residents of Waza Zadran, a mostly rural and mountainous area of Paktya located approximately 40 kilometres from the provincial capital of Gardez, are challenged by deteriorating roads and the absence of the regular and reliable public transportation.

At the end of the event, participants agreed to establish closer working relationships between government offices and communities, and to hold regular meetings on key development projects.

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 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.