2018.28.11 Hosting Reception Dinner for Participants of UNITAR Hiroshima’s “Women’s Leadership Program for Afghanistan Governance and the SDGs.”

Hosting Reception Dinner for Participants of UNITAR Hiroshima’s “Women’s Leadership Program for Afghanistan Governance and the SDGs.”

November 28, 2018; H.E. Dr. Bashir Mohabbat had the honor of welcoming the participants from UNITAR Hiroshima “Women’s Leadership Program for Afghanistan Governance and the SDGs”, official from UNITAR, and officials from MOFA of Japan at the embassy’s Maulana Rumi Balkhi Hall. All of the embassy’s Diplomats and Staff were also in attendance to greet the guests as they arrived.


The young, professional women participants were chosen from a broad range of organizations, including government ministries and bodies, universities, the private sector, civil society organizations and the media are in Japan for the International training portion of their workshop under the auspices of UNITAR and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The program aims to empower women leaders, with the understanding that "there is no peace without development, there is no development without peace, and there is no lasting peace or sustainable development without respect of human rights and the rule of law." The program will build participants’ understanding of good governance and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on Gender Equality. The program will allow for focused engagement to take place exploring key elements of gender equality, governance, the SDGs, and leadership in the context of Afghanistan.


Mr. Asif Agah, Second Secretary and emcee for the festivities, welcomed all and invited H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat to give his opening remarks. H.E. Dr. Mohabbat reaffirmed the necessity for the path to be secured and cleared for women, as major stakeholders in conflict resolution, to take their rightful place at the side of men. Further he impressed that it was essentially necessary for their self-esteem to be built up by any assistance available, making up for the past, in order that they may feel empowered, be included, and be provided opportunities for leadership in order that sustainable peace be actualized. Lastly he remarked that at the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan’s side meeting entitled “Women, Peace process, and UNSCR1325” the chance to discuss obstacles and plan meaningful ways to continue momentum allowing for the full and equal participation of women at all levels and aspects of the peacebuilding process.

Hon. Ms. Kotono Hara, Principal Deputy Director of the Global Issues Cooperation Division for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan gave remarks on the many cooperative measures being undertaken on the international stage in which Japan is participating that are geared toward helping to empower and promote women into the fore place of society and especially in the peace process. Following whom was Mr. Berin McKenzie, Senior Specialist for UNITAR’s Hiroshima Office who spoke on the significance of this program and the many training events, tours, and workshops scheduled for the participants.


The guests were all delighted to hear remarks from the Hon. Ms. Zuhal Amarkhil, Chief of Staff for the Office of the First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. She very astutely and from the heart spoke from on the importance for women to be supported and encouraged not only through great, comprehensive programs such as this, but globally as is being discussed by H.E. Mrs. Rula Ghani, the First Lady of Afghanistan the past week in Geneva, as well as locally in Afghanistan in each office, school, home and family as the National Unity Government and the Office of the First Lady have been working to promote.


Final remarks were given by Ms. Setara Hassan, CEO of Zan Television, as the representative among the participants. She gave a very impassioned and rousing narrative of the realities of life for girls and women in Afghanistan; impressing upon all just how important it is for mindsets of all to be immediately and actively changed for the better, for confidence, for empowerment, and for self-sustaining peace.


Following the speeches, Afghan dishes prepared by the Embassy in honor of this special day were served for all to enjoy. We sincerely wish all the best successes to the training participants, that they may carry with them all they learn here, and continue their commitment to women’s leadership for the actualization of peace.
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