United Nations – 219 –
Afghanistan: Rebuilding from the Earthquakes | United Nations
Summary
128seconds video
The text emphasizes the severe impact of climate change and natural disasters on Afghanistan and highlights the efforts being made to address these challenges. The United Nations has recognized initiatives to integrate refugees and returnees, particularly in response to earthquakes, by using innovative, earthquake-resistant structures. Collaborative efforts by local authorities, NGOs, and the UN have been crucial in helping communities rebuild their lives. The text also notes the role of the private sector, emphasizing the importance of including Afghan men and women, especially in women-led micro and small enterprises, in economic activities. This approach is seen as vital for Afghanistan’s nation-building, leveraging human capital, and supporting business growth through investments in microfinance, market access, and business literacy.
Full Script
It’s extremely important to recognize that Afghanistan is one of the world’s most climate-impacted countries and also prone to natural disasters. The United Nations has been able to recognize the work that has been done on integrating refugees and returners coming into the province, looking at the work that has been done in response to the earthquake in this area. Innovative approaches have been undertaken by the United Nations and partners to have local vernacular structures which are earthquake resistance rebuilding permanent structures in this village behind me. I have seen again firsthand the collective efforts of the local authorities, of the partners, NGOs and the United Nations in trying to rebuild the lives together with the communities here. The response has enabled people to rebuild lives in a very challenging environment. In my visit in Herat, I have had the opportunity to look at private sector enterprises that are working bringing Afghan men and women into the marketplace, into economic activity. And particularly women-led micro and small enterprises was eye-opening to look at the potential on one side and the need for support for these enterprises to scale up through investments in microfinance, access to markets, support in business literacy skills, etc. This is a vital part of rebuilding Afghanistan with its private sector tapping into the human capital of Afghan men and women and affording the space, particularly for women and girls, to contribute and have the space to be part of the nation-building process of Afghanistan.
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