UNOG Library Talk on “Afghanistan’s Post-Conflict Reconstruction -
The Outlook after the 2014 Transition”

Minister Zakhilwal
Ambassador Tarzi
Executive Director ad interim Fegan-Wyles
Distinguished Ambassadors
Ladies and Gentlemen:

This evening’s UNOG Library Talk is particularly important because we will discuss Afghanistan’s post-conflict reconstruction and the outlook after 2014.

From my point of view, Afghanistan faces two critical tests as part of its transition. On the domestic political front, the April 2014 Presidential elections will install a new leadership for the country. This will be followed by the 2015 Parliamentary elections that show Afghan commitment to the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

In the security area, NATO and its partners in ISAF are scheduled to complete their withdrawal of troops by 2014, thereby transitioning full responsibility and stewardship for Afghanistan’s defence arrangements to the national Government.

But before that, 2013 will be a milestone. This year will help determine the future of Afghanistan through the opening and consolidation of the intra-Afghan dialogue. A dialogue that will enable the Afghan people to come together to achieve peace through reconciliation and to build a future based on economic development and mutual cooperation, with full respect for their nation’s sovereignty.

The stakes in the post-conflict reconstruction of Afghanistan are high for the country, the region and the international community. And this is what we will examine in today’s Library Talk.

2014 is the beginning of a new era for Afghanistan. As the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, has stated, “Afghanistan will now take the lead in shaping the country’s future. Afghans will set the priorities and decide which path to follow. The international community will play a supporting role.”

Indeed, the international community has a key role to play in the peace process, as well as in strengthening Afghan institutions. The aim is to enhance good governance, socio-economic reform and security reform.

The United Nations here in Geneva is contributing to this support – through UNITAR and other partners.

The United Nations will continue supporting the Government of Afghanistan to secure and build on the progress made in the recent years. It is easy to lose track of this progress if we rely only on media headlines. We need to go beyond the stories and review in-depth what has been achieved, and where the challenges are for the future.

It is therefore a particular pleasure to have with us tonight Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Finance Minister of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan who has been at the heart of the Afghan peace process and reconstruction for the last decade, working towards the long-term stability and prosperity of his country. Financial stewardship is complex in any situation but even more so in a country that has experienced decades of war and instability. So, Dr. Zakhilwal is well-placed to share with us lessons learned and outline the challenges ahead in Afghanistan’s transition.

We are particularly pleased to be able to host this event at the Palais des Nations, which has witnessed important parts of Afghanistan’s history. To cite two examples: Afghanistan was a member of the League of Nations. And in 1988, the Geneva Accords on the withdrawal of Soviet troops were signed here at the Palais des Nations, setting the country on a new path.

We appreciate being part of the history and future of Afghanistan – through partnership and collaboration.

Thank you very much.