UNAMA and Taliban Administration Hold Coordination Meeting in Panjshir
The Panjshir provincial media office announced that, coinciding with the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), a coordination meeting was held with the presence of the head of UNAMA’s central zone, representatives of nine UN agencies, and officials from the Taliban administration in the province.
According to the statement, this meeting was chaired by Hafiz Mohammad Agha Hakim, the Taliban-appointed governor of Panjshir. The discussions focused on development and humanitarian programs and projects across various sectors. The main emphasis of the talks was on developmental needs and how better coordination between international organizations and the local administration could be achieved.
The governor of Panjshir stated at the meeting that this province is among the less developed regions of the country in terms of reconstruction and local economic growth, and that it has not received adequate attention in the past. He stressed the importance of utilizing the presence of international organizations to implement development projects and improve the economic conditions of the inhabitants.
The provincial media office added that the Taliban administration welcomed the activities of the United Nations agencies and pledged to support programs aimed at enhancing the welfare and living conditions of the people. However, it was expected that these collaborations would be accompanied by transparency and accountability to ensure that international aid effectively and fairly reaches those in need.
Tabitha, the head of UNAMA’s central zone, praised the cooperation of the Panjshir local administration and stated that the mission is ready to continue its facilitating role in coordinating humanitarian activities and addressing the people’s needs. She added that following the renewal of UNAMA’s mandate for another year, the mission will continue its work in mobilizing international assistance and sharing the needs of the people with relevant agencies.
During the meeting, representatives from various United Nations bodies also presented reports on their activities. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) announced the launch of support programs for displaced persons in Panjshir. The World Health Organization (WHO) spoke of ongoing health services and efforts to combat communicable diseases. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) mentioned the implementation of infrastructure projects.
A UNESCO representative stated that the organization is active in media, education, and capacity-building sectors. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reported on mental health programs, while UNICEF noted its support for 121 health centers and activities in education, provision of safe drinking water, and disaster response.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) declared that it will implement five urban development projects valued at over $600,000 in Panjshir this year. According to the Panjshir provincial media office, nearly $16 million in development and public welfare projects have been attracted for this province this year, which are to be executed by international organizations and partner institutions.
