MAIMANA - The top United Nations official in Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, visited the country’s northern province of Faryab on Tuesday to meet first-hand with the province’s government officials and community leaders to learn about their concerns and discuss key issues, including peace, elections, security and support to conflict-displaced Afghans.

Mr Yamamoto, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), had several discussions with local officials to evaluate the UN’s systems in place to address the northern region’s challenges.

In addition to meeting with Provincial Governor Mohammad Homayoon Fawzi, representatives of the provincial council, provincial peace committee members, and other community leaders, Mr Yamamoto also met with women’s rights activists, youth leaders and provincial representatives of the Jamiat and Junbish political parties.

In each meeting, he listened to the Afghans’ concerns about the current situation in Faryab and the broader northern region, and underlined the UN’s commitment to do everything in its power to assist the government and people of Afghanistan in achieving security, stability and prosperity.

“The United Nations is very encouraged that you are looking to the future, and that your vision includes political responsibility and respect for each member of society,” said the UN envoy to Governor Fawzi and those gathered in a large meeting to express their views on the way forward.

“The peace process must be taken up by all members of society, including women, who must play an important role in that process,” the envoy stressed.

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.