The Afghanistan Subnational Governance Programme (UNDP). Responsive Provinces. Sustainable Municipalities. Empowered Local Governance.
Salaam Aluykum
Since September 2011 and my appointment as Chief Technical Advisor, I have accelerated ASGP’s work in subnational governance, in accordance with the Afghanistan National Development Strategy and UNDP policy, including the internal strategic review of UNDP Afghanistan in December 2011. That review affirmed that ASGP is ‘directly linked and vital for the [2014] transition’ because ‘a stronger emphasis at the provincial level’ would ‘help balance a capital-centralized development model’. The review also described ASGP as a ‘strong platform for promoting strong governance at the subnational levels’ and affirmed the programme’s provincial approach.
ASGP’s relations with our central government partner the Independent Directorate for Local Governance are warm and constructive. In consultation with IDLG I have approved a comprehensive human resources plan for ASGP that I am confident will deliver an ambitious work plan for ASGP in 2012.
All stakeholders and donors welcome these positive changes. ASGP’s professional relationships with our partners in the European Union, Switzerland, Australia, and Italy are fundamental to the success of our programme, and I am pleased to welcome Japan as an additional partner. I am also satisfied that dialogue with several other donors not currently funding ASGP will advance our shared desire for the effective subnational governance so crucial to the enduring peace, stability and development of the Afghan people.
Globally, the UNDP builds Empowered Lives and Resilient Nations. In turn, Afghanistan’s subnational governance programme builds Responsive Provinces, Sustainable Municipalities, and Empowered Local Governance.
This booklet highlights ASGP’s work in terms of our overall objective of subnational governance and development and four specific outputs:
- National systems, procedures and legal frameworks to implement, coordinate and monitor sub-national governance policy are in place.
- Provincial and district governors’ offices have the capacity to manage provincial and district governance, development and security strategies in accordance with the Afghanistan National Development Strategy by 2014.
- Provincial and district councils have the improved capacity to represent citizen interests and monitor subnational governance and development by 2014.
- Democratically elected municipal administrations are collecting revenues and delivering basic services under an improved organizational framework by 2014.
Our annual report contains more detailed information. I welcome your comments on this publication and on any aspect of the Afghanistan Subnational Governance Programme.
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Christopher Carter
Chief Technical Advisor
Afghanistan Subnational Governance Programme
United Nations Development Programme
UNOCA Compound , Afghanistan
Email: E-mail: christopher.carter@
Office: +93 (0) 20 212 4810
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Last Message to Te Atatu Constituents
I was appointed to my United Nations job some months ago but I did not want to put the country to the $million plus expense of a by-election in the Te Atatu electorate. I was also keen to keep my local Henderson office open as long as possible to assist with constituent cases or issues. I delayed my departure as long as possible but in the end the UN needed me in Kabul by the end of this month. Parliament will fund my local office at 300 Great North Road, Henderson, to remain open until the end of October. My staff will still be able to help with any relevant issues you may have until that time.
I will miss the schools, sports clubs, churches, businesses and people that I have built strong relationships with over the last 20 years as your local MP. The local was always the part of the job I loved the best. My majority at the last election was the highest of any Labour MP in west Auckland. That personal support was earned I hope by working hard and never taking your support for granted. I can truthfully say there is not a house in my electorate, a letterbox or even probably a dog I don’t know personally!
I had a fantastic political career. I served as a cabinet minister for six years, ending up as the 7th ranked Minster in Helen Clark’s Government responsible for Education. Other jobs included being Minister of Local Government, Minister of Ethnic Affairs, Minister of Building Issues, Minister of Conservation (my favourite job) and Minister of Housing. To have had the privilege of serving in those important positions was only possible through the votes of my constituents. I will never forget that trust and support that local people gave me.
I thank you again and wish all of you the very best for the future. It has been a privilege and honour serving as the Member of Parliament for Te Atatu.
Hon Chris Carter MP
Te Atatu Electorate Office
300 Great South Road, Henderson 0612
PO Box 21 983, Henderson, Auckland 0650
Tel: 09 835 0915, Fax: 09 835 0945
E: chris.carter@parliament.govt.nz
First day on the job (United Nations, Afghanistan)
Link to TVNZ website (video)
