Provincial and tribal leaders learn about planning, budgeting in Khost Province

21 Jul 2010

Provincial and tribal leaders learn about planning, budgeting in Khost Province

21 July 2010 - Officials in southeastern Afghanistan, “shuras” or tribal elders, nomads known as Kuchis and civil society representatives have met to learn about strategic planning and budgeting with the aim of preparing a comprehensive plan for socio-economic development in the area.

 

“Three decades of war and civil conflicts have badly affected the people of this country both spiritually and materially. This country experienced socio-economic, political and cultural stagnation,” said Khost Governor, Abdul Jabbar Naeemi, welcoming participants to a two-day workshop in his province which lies on the border with Pakistan.

The Governor’s office and other provincial authorities organized the workshop with support from the United Nation Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA’s) Aid Coherence Unit and the US-Agency for International Development (USAID).

Following a passage from the Quran, participants were instructed in types of plans including opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis, benefits of strategic plans and types and benefits of budgets.

It is expected that the concepts will “go a long way in shaping their thoughts when revising the Provincial Developmental Plan (PDP),” said Victor Fasama, head of the Aid Coherence Unit, UNAMA-Southeast Region.

Participant Kamila Akbari from the Women Affairs Department said, “Recommendations presented by different groups, if included in the new strategic plan, will bring tremendous changes.”

By Dilawar Khan Dilawar, UNAMA