QALAT - To discuss Zabul’s latest economic development plans and local peace initiatives, UNAMA’s Kandahar regional office organized a series of meetings with civil society members, women’s rights groups, government officials and other community leaders in the provincial capital of Qalat.

In the meeting with Governor Rahmatullah Yarmal, along with other administration officials and community leaders, participants discussed a range of topics, including humanitarian needs, local peace initiatives and development of essential services. Those in attendance stressed the importance of peace efforts, moving forward.

In each of the meetings, the head of UNAMA’s Kandahar regional office, Reuben Culpin, underlined the UN’s support to the province. “The United Nations stands with the people of Zabul in their efforts for peace and stability,” said Culpin.

As part of the two-day visit to the provincial capital, UNAMA officials visited Qalat’s main bazar, accompanied by Governor Yarmal, to meet with residents, listen to their concerns and join in the inauguration of a road construction project. They also organized a workshop for civil society organizations and human rights defenders to streamline efforts aimed at freedom of expression, access to information and protection of human rights.

Zabul, located to the east of Kandahar on the main Kabul-Kandahar highway, is a mostly rural and agriculture province that borders the provinces of Ghazni, Uruzgan and Kandahar, and shares a southern border with Pakistan.

More than 20 different UN entities are present in Afghanistan, working to support the Afghan government’s priorities through a broad spectrum of development and humanitarian activities, including through support for development planning, resource mobilization, and coordination of international donors and organizations.