Kabul, Afghanistan – More than 75 women members of Provincial Peace Councils (PPCs) met in Kabul today to plot a strategy to advocate for the interests of women in the peace process. Over 120 Promote Musharikat “Women in Peace” Coalition activists and influential religious leaders joined the conversation to review how women will be linked and consulted in the process, to assess PPC members’ negotiation and collaboration skills, and to plan how to most effectively advocate for women’s interests.

Kabul, 28 November 2018 – Another new polio case has been reported from Shaheed-e-Hassas district of Urozgan province, a 3-year-old boy who is now permanently paralyzed by the poliovirus. This is the second case from the same district, making the total number of polio cases in Afghanistan 20 this year so far. Fourteen cases have been reported in the south of the country and six cases in the east.

1. General Overview:

I. The last winter season (2017/2018), was mild as compared to 2017 but with severe cold temperatures. Minus 14 degree was reported in Badakhshan, Bamyan, Daykundi, Paktyia and Ghazni while temperature in Kabul went to minus 8 degree during the winter. There were few incidents of avalanches and limited snow fall.

Excellencies,

Distinguished Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Afghan delegation, I am honoured to present Afghanistan’s achievements and challenges in fulfilling its commitments under Article Five of the Convention.

Afghanistan remains one of the most heavily contaminated countries in the world. 3,451 minefields, covering 687 square kilometres remain contaminated and continue to affect 1,506 communities, 254 districts, in 33 out of 34 provinces of the country.

$403 million grant for improving education sector and women’s economic empowerment

KABUL, October 23, 2018 — Afghanistan and the World Bank today signed new grant agreements worth $403 million to finance improvements in primary, secondary and higher education as well as advancing the economic and social standing of rural women.