KABUL - On behalf of the United Nations in Afghanistan, I wish to congratulate all Afghans as they celebrate 100 years of their country’s independence.

The United Nations shares in the pride of all Afghans who, despite many decades of conflict, remain steadfast in their pursuit of a nation that is stable, peaceful and prosperous, and that upholds the human rights of all its citizens, women and men alike.

The long history of Afghanistan, and the broader region, has been as the cradle of civilization, as the birthplace to many scientific breakthroughs, as the foundation for many developments in literature and the arts. This past is testament to the future of Afghanistan.

As we mark 100 years of Afghanistan’s independence, the United Nations remains mindful that Afghanistan is at a crucial moment in its history, with final preparations now being put into place for an election that will give voice to the people, and with a real possibility for breakthroughs in peace after so many years of war.

Afghanistan is one of the earliest members of the United Nations, joining in 1946. The United Nations is proud of this long partnership, and proud to be able to work for the people of Afghanistan toward a better future where this country can once again take its place as a crossroads for commerce and culture, for the region and for the world.

Tadamichi Yamamoto is the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).​