Ottawa – A high-level Afghan delegation headed by H.E. M. Yousuf Pashtun, Minister of Urban Development, visited Vancouver from June 19-23 to participate in the World Urban Forum III Conference.

The Afghan delegation comprised of Dr. Quiamudin Jalal Zadah, Deputy Minister for Urban Development, Mr. Abdul Malek Sediqi, Deputy Minster for Administration at the Ministry of Interior, Mr. M. Naiem Stanazai, Mayor of Jalalabad, Mr. M. Musa Zmaray Usman, Mayor of Kandahar, and Mr. Abdul AHAD and Eng. Said Osman SADAT from the Minsitry of Urban Development, attended the conference sponsored by UN-Habitat (UN Human Settlements Programme). The delegation met with other delegates and members of the Forum.

Minister Pashtun highlighted Afghanistan’s urban challenges and said, “ Security and development have got direct links. One cannot wait for the other... A little bit of development brings more security. More security brings more opportunity for development.”

He outlined the challenges and opportunities after 25 years of war in his country. He identified as challenges: lack of financial resources; security issues; rising poverty; urban population growth; immigration and repatriation; 65 percent of the population in informal settlements; and a 70 percent illiteracy rate. He noted a Compact agreed in London and adopted by the UN General Assembly to support his country’s reconstruction, with the World Bank providing funds mainly for infrastructure, but said resources are still inadequate. He underscored that cities have a central role to play in Afghanistan’s transition from a post-conflict emergency situation to stability, and called for the achievement of sustainable peace and development in his country through partnerships with the international community.

The delegation was also hosted by the Afghan Association of British Columbia and community members.