KANDAHAR - Young Afghan women and men have a crucial role to play in fostering peace in their communities, according to participants at a UN-backed event in the southern province of Kandahar.

An audience of around 40 students from Kandahar University, along with youth activists and Kandahar provincial peace committee members, discussed how young Afghans, women and men alike, can effectively support local peace initiatives in the southern region.

The format of the event, organized by the regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), was an open discussion in which participants debated the role of youth in peace, discussed empowering young activists, and deliberated on the best ways to promote good governance, enhance rule of law and create vocational opportunities.

“For local conflict, Afghans should solve the problem themselves and youth can play an essential role,” said Kandahar University student Mohammad Nasir Mobarez, who called on the government and International community to develop employment opportunities to retain strong young leaders.

Another participant, Abdul Rahman Qismat said: “For the past 15 years, young Afghans haven’t performed to their potential; we therefore need a comprehensive strategy for peace that also includes the aspirations of the youth in the country.”

The participants universally agreed to launch a social media campaign on peace, and put forward several other recommendations related to corruption, drug abuse, education and security.

The event was one of several other similar activities organized by UNAMA’s Kandahar office during 2016 in the interest of allowing young Afghans to express their views about the peace process and the future of their country.  

The Kandahar event was widely covered by local radio and TV stations, reaching an audience estimated at 500,000 people in and around the province.

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 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.