The third meeting of special envoys on Afghanistan is set to take place in Doha, Qatar today under the leadership of Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs at the United Nations H E Rosemary DiCarlo. This meeting is part of an ongoing process to enhance international engagement in Afghanistan in a more coherent and coordinated manner. It follows previous discussions held in Doha in May 2023 and February 2024. Approximately 30 countries and international institutions have been invited to participate in the meeting, which will feature direct discussions among special envoys from countries in the region and around the world, as well as the de facto Afghan authorities.
DiCarlo emphasized that the ultimate goal of the process is for Afghanistan to live in peace with itself and its neighbors, fully integrate into the international community, and fulfill its international obligations. The meeting will address the various challenges facing the Afghan people, Afghanistan’s neighbors, the region, and the broader international community. There will also be a focus on exploring ways to achieve more principled engagement with the de facto authorities for the benefit of all Afghans. Following the main meeting, the UN Under-Secretary-General and the special envoys will meet with representatives of Afghan civil society, with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), H E Roza Otunbayeva, also participating in the discussions.
As the meeting in Doha is part of an ongoing process, it is important to note that it is not just a one-day event. The discussions are aimed at creating a platform for dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders involved in the Afghan peace process. By bringing together special envoys from various countries and international institutions, the meeting provides an opportunity to align efforts and strategies towards achieving sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan. It also serves as a forum for addressing the pressing issues facing the Afghan people, including security, humanitarian needs, and development challenges.
The involvement of a wide range of stakeholders in the meeting reflects the importance of international support and cooperation in addressing the complex challenges in Afghanistan. By engaging with the de facto Afghan authorities, the discussions aim to pave the way for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to addressing the needs and concerns of all Afghans. The meeting provides a platform for exploring innovative solutions and strategies to overcome the obstacles to peace and stability in the country.
The participation of Afghan civil society representatives in the discussions is crucial for ensuring that the voices and perspectives of the Afghan people are heard and taken into account in the peace process. Their input can help to identify the needs and priorities of the Afghan population and contribute to the development of inclusive and sustainable solutions. By working closely with civil society organizations, the special envoys and international partners can better understand the ground realities in Afghanistan and tailor their efforts to address the specific challenges facing the country.
Overall, the meeting of special envoys on Afghanistan in Doha represents a significant step towards enhancing international engagement and cooperation in support of the Afghan peace process. By bringing together key stakeholders from the region and around the world, the discussions aim to foster a more coordinated and coherent approach to addressing the challenges facing Afghanistan. The ongoing process of dialogue and collaboration is essential for building trust, promoting inclusivity, and working towards a sustainable peace that benefits all Afghans.
