NANGARHAR - Participants at two public debates in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces praised the role of the international community in Afghanistan and called for the UN’s continued support for the future of the country.

The programmes, organized by the regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in coordination with local non-governmental organizations, were set up in Nangarhar and Laghman to discuss development work in the country and also create awareness about United Nations principles and activities.

In the event in Jalalabad, the capital city of Nangarhar, some 70 students, more than half of them women, listened to and participated in the deliberations conducted by five main panellists, including a university lecturer, a civil society activist and UN officials from the region.

Present at the Jalalabad debate was the director of a local seed-production company, Ghulam Nabi, who is one of the Afghan professionals featured in the UN70 photographic exhibition held in several cities across the country during the past few weeks to mark the 70th anniversary of the world body.

During the debate, which was covered by local media, Mr. Nabi described his work to support Afghan farmers by providing them with improved seeds designed to help the country move toward agricultural self-sufficiency.

“I have received a lot of technical and material support from the UN,” he said, adding that his company has produced seeds that have increased crop yields by more than 30 per cent.

Also speaking during the Jalalabad debate was Enamulhaq Ehsas, head of the Zaland Afghanistan Society, an organization focused on youth development. He called the role of the UN in the country “highly important,” especially in terms of helping Afghans face current political and economic challenges.

A civil society activist and a student of Alokozai University, Ms. Marina, praised the work of the UN in humanitarian assistance, education, health and development. She said women’s level of participation in Afghanistan’s political and social life is a good example of how the UN has worked with stakeholders to help protect women’s rights and empower women.

The second programme, a radio debate held in Laghman province and broadcast by Radio Kalgush, reaching an estimated 300,000 people, drew university lecturers, civil society members and journalists.

Abdul Matin Ehsas, a journalist participating in the Laghman debate, hailed the role of the UN in supporting Afghan politics, including in supporting the Loya Jirga and the country’s elections.

Ms. Nargis, a civil society and women’s rights activist, called attention to the UN’s achievements in protecting human rights, particularly women’s rights, and in helping to reduce the mortality rate of mothers and children in Afghanistan.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and relevant international and local non-governmental organizations to assist in the full implementation of the fundamental freedoms and human rights provisions of the Afghan Constitution and international treaties to which Afghanistan is a State party, in particular those regarding the full enjoyment by women of their human rights.