I am pleased to convey my warm greetings on the occasion of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank and the High Level Side Event on Afghanistan.

In the coming months, the international community will make critical decisions in Warsaw and Brussels on the level and type of assistance that it will continue to provide to Afghanistan.  Upholding the international commitments for security and financial assistance
will be vital for ensuring that Afghanistan can move towards stability, accountability and greater self-reliance.

This path has been clearly articulated by the Government of Afghanistan.  Recognizing the need to tackle corruption, to undertake governance reforms, and to address the illicit economy, the Government adopted the ambitious reform agenda, “Realising Self-Reliance”, in 2014.  In 2015, the Government and donor countries endorsed the “Self-Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework,” whose intended deliverables by the end of 2016 include advances in the areas of human rights and the rule of law, which are critical for the development agenda.

There has been important initial progress in revenue collection, structural reforms, and addressing corruption.  Persistently low rates of economic growth, high unemployment and rising levels of conflict-related displacement and civilian casualties have exacted a heavy toll on the population.  The fiscal pressures on the Government are expected to continue.

I therefore welcome this meeting as an important opportunity for donors, international financial institutions and the Government to reach a consensus on the challenges ahead.  It is my hope that your discussions will contribute to the success of the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, during which new development assistance pledges will be made for the period from 2017 to 2020.  While there are many competing priorities for development funding across the globe, there is no doubt that Afghanistan deserves and requires our continued attention and support. 

The United Nations is strongly committed to the Government and people of Afghanistan. With United Nations support, the Government is preparing a new National Development Strategy reflecting the Sustainable Development Goals. I look forward to the consideration of this Strategy as  the lynchpin our continued joint efforts.

Please accept my best wishes for success in your deliberations.