KABUL - The heads of the United Nations agencies working in Afghanistan met in Kabul this week, discussing their programmes for 2016. Focusing on closer alignment with the vision and plans of the National Unity Government, the United Nations team agreed to develop a summary document defining their commitments for the year ahead.

Mr. Mark Bowden, the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, who coordinates the UN’s development and humanitarian work in Afghanistan, said: “At a time of many challenges, we are focusing on how we can best support the Government and people of Afghanistan. This follows on a review of the work of the UN in Afghanistan that was carried out with the Government and development partners, highlighting some of the key strengths of the United Nations. Our discussions focused on how we can enhance our partnership here, working together as One UN, drawing together the strengths of the different parts of the UN system.”

Reviewing the past year, Mr. Bowden noted some of the areas in which the UN has worked closely together: “Disaster risk reduction is an area terrifically important to Afghanistan, one of the most disaster-affected countries in the world. We have also been working together in support to the Government and its youth strategy – a critical issue, given the proportion of young people here. These issues directly touch upon the lives of people in Afghanistan, but in addition to this, the UN system has also been working in support of the work of the Government, such as its statistical services. I think we, the UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes, have made real progress in working together as part of one effort in support of the people of Afghanistan.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Bowden added: “We are also looking forward to this year’s Development Cooperation Dialogues, hosted by the Ministry of Finance; this has proven to be a valuable exchange, as well as contributing to the Government’s overview of international development partnerships here.”

He went on to say: “There are many challenges facing Afghanistan, but looking ahead to the international conference considering development assistance, we are anxious to support the Government in demonstrating that progress continues.”