On a visit yesterday to Kandahar to open UNAMA’s new compound Special Representative of the Secretary General Mr. Ján Kubiš renewed the commitment of his organization to support a ‘Self-sustaining Afghanistan’. It was Mr. Kubiš second trip to Kandahar since his arrival in Afghanistan, three months ago.
“The United Nations recognizes that with each passing day Afghanistan is assuming greater sovereignty and ownership of all the processes in the country,” said Mr. Kubiš. “Afghan ownership will be the guiding element as we reorient the work of the United Nations family here in Afghanistan in the wake of the transformation decade 2015-2024.”
Mr. Kubiš also spoke of his goal of mobilizing the UN community to meet the demands of Afghans to create a stable and peaceful nation. He emphasized that UNAMA’s new mandate stresses the need for greater coordination in order to ensure the international community delivers more coherent support.
Present at the opening ceremony were numerous government and civil society representatives, including the Governor of Kandahar, Dr Toryali Wesa. Dr. Wesa suggested concrete areas where he thought the UN could help his region. SRSG welcomed the suggestions made by the governor.
“The relationship between Afghanistan and United Nations is not new. Afghanistan has been an active member of the United Nations since it came into being and for the last 60 years the UN has been supporting Afghanistan,” said Dr Wesa.
Later in the day Mr. Kubiš met with local Ulemas and other dignitaries who said they welcomed the presence of the UN in Kandahar.
“We are happy and thankful that the new UNAMA office compound is inaugurated. As the representatives of the people of Kandahar, I hope that it will continue to serve the purpose in order to provide humanitarian assistance and assist in the peace process”, said Haji Hafizullah, Secretary for Kandahar Provincial Council.
By UNAMA Kandahar