KABUL - To mark the International Youth Day, UNAMA field offices throughout the country organized series of radio and television roundtable discussions and gatherings of youth to discuss “Youth Role for A Better Afghanistan”.

In these events, the participants also discussed challenges faced by the youth and suggestions were made to address them.

Altogether about nine events were held throughout the country, which were led by certain youth groups including athletes, university students, disables, members of Provincial Peace Committees, Youth’s Affairs Department.

In Kunduz roundtable discussion, participants pointed out problems faced by youth, particularly lack of opportunities for education and employment.

“We want strong commitment of the government on providing education and employment opportunities to the youth. Most victims of the terrorist attacks are uneducated and jobless youth,” said, Rahmani.

Another participant of the discussion, Javed Ranjbir said youth are playing a vital role in promotion of culture, politics, economy, social development and peace, their role shouldn't be forgotten.

In Mazar-e-Sahrif, in his address to the hundred youths, Sayed Mohammad Yazdanparast the Head of Omid-e Hamzisti association said the highest number of victims in today’s war in Afghanistan is youth.

“Despite several efforts by UN, Afghan government and NGOs still there are many addicts mainly afghan youth return from Iran and Pakistan who are also suspected to have brought HIV with them in Afghanistan,” said Yazdanparast.

A similar event was held in Nangarhar Province. In his speech, Noor Agha Zwaak, Head of Sub Directorate of Youth said ten years ago, many youth had no chance to go to the school but now millions of youth including girls are going to the schools and universities.

“These achievements are not enough, we have to work more to empower youth,” he said adding “UNICEF extended a lot of support to Youth Department in Nangarhar Province particularly in providing Job opportunity, establishment of counseling centers for youth and organizing public awareness programs on negative consequence of underage marriage.”