JALALABAD - Afghan political leaders and civil society representatives joined with United Nations officials in Jalalabad on the occasion of the UN’s 70 anniversary to mark the strong and enduring partnership between Afghanistan and the UN.

Salim Khan Kunduzi, the Governor of Nangarhar Province, and Heran Song, the Head of UNAMA’s regional office in Jalalabad, addressed an audience of around 60 guests.  

“In the eastern region there is a harmony and coordination between the departments and UN agencies. We don’t separate ourselves from the UN, we are members of the same family,” said Mr. Kunduzi.

He cited the example of humanitarian assistance given to people affected by the recent earthquake and to displaced families, noting also support for rehabilitation and development in the region.

“We are a member of the UN and here in Nangarhar we are working as one family with strong communication and coordination towards achieving  one common goal: A prosperous Afghanistan with acceptable standards of life where children go to school and live in a peaceful environment,” said Mr. Kunduzi.

Ms. Song noted that Afghanistan has been a full, active and vibrant member of the UN since the beginning of the world body and that the UN has been in Afghanistan for over 60 years.

The centerpiece of the reception was the UN70 photography exhibition that spotlights the work and achievements of a group of Afghan professionals who the UN has work with or supported.

During the event, civil society representatives especially highlighted the successful UN support to an active civil society, along with helping to improve the situation of human rights and gender mainstreaming in the eastern region.

The touring UN70 exhibition, which was earlier shown in Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif, brought together a series of specially commissioned panoramic photographs. Each of the giant photos – measuring 4 metres wide – contains three main scenes, highlighting key aspects of the professionals’ work in areas such as improved healthcare, support for returning refugees and environmental protection.