UNAMA
- Kabul, April 23
International efforts to help bring stability and peace to Afghanistan
must focus on the provincial level in the coming years, UN Special Representative
Tom Koenigs stressed on April 23.
“The provinces are key to peace, political stability and long-term
reconstruction and sustainable development of the country,” Mr
Koenigs told participants at the start of an unprecedented four-day
UNAMA Introductory PRT Training course in Kabul.
He said the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) will play the key
role in helping the Afghan government bring stability to the countryside
and in creating an environment which allows for state building, democratization
– including rule of law, governance, and human rights and development.
Mr Koenigs also highlighted the importance of coordination and cooperation
in international efforts aimed at bringing stability, and said the overarching
goals were to strengthen Afghan ownership and build local capacity.
Around 40 civilian and military representatives of nearly 20 countries,
including Afghanistan, are taking part in the course, which aims at
giving them a similar baseline understanding and knowledge about PRTs
in the current Afghan context.
The intention is for the course to be offered on a periodic basis. The
training is directed towards future PRT political and development officers,
PRT military commanders, headquarters staff dealing with PRTs, and Kabul-based
diplomatic and military staff.
Presentations will be made by senior officials of the Afghan government,
UNAMA, ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) and the Coalition
Forces. Participants will also visit a PRT site.
