Speech of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, at the Closing Session of the Scientific and Technical Seminar Organized by the Ministry of Water and Energy

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Ministers, officials, and esteemed guests of the Ministry of Water and Energy, officials from the water and energy sector of the ministry’s regional and provincial zones, mujahideen, media representatives, and respected guests,

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh!

It is a great pleasure to participate in this significant gathering organized by the Ministry of Water and Energy, which aims at enhancing the capacity of our country's professional workforce by introducing modern systems for managing water quality.

Water is a divine, great, and irreplaceable blessing, without which the life of humans, animals, and plants, as well as the economic growth and development of nations, would not be possible. Numerous verses from the Holy Quran have been revealed regarding the importance and necessity of water, which as a Muslim community, directs us to treat water properly. Moreover, effective water management is considered an essential national responsibility in this modern era for competing with the world and ensuring economic growth.

Although water is a renewable natural resource, the current world is facing a serious water shortage due to climate change, increasing levels of water pollution, rising human demands, and irresponsible consumption. This crisis not only creates water scarcity issues for every country, but most importantly, it has also negatively impacted political and economic relations between nations.

Fortunately, Afghanistan, just as it is among the wealthiest countries in terms of mineral resources, also possesses vast natural water resources. However, regrettably, throughout Afghanistan's history, especially in contemporary times, professional management and sustainable utilization of this great divine gift have not been practiced due to various factors. Therefore, it is now the responsibility of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to fulfill its national duty for the optimal management of the country’s water resources. With firm determination, we aim to use all available means to ensure sustainable development in water management. Insha’Allah, our resolve is strong in this regard.

I understand that today’s gathering is organized to award certificates of attendance to the individuals who have received training in the newly established systems for diagnosing and managing water quality through the Ministry of Water and Energy's professional and technical staff. However, I would also like to take this important opportunity to emphasize, alongside the relevant topics, the serious need for effective national water management.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the officials from the country’s water and energy sector who have graduated from this short-term training program. I strongly encourage them to work with full dedication and love for the nation in the development of this important national sector and to pass on what they have learned here to others in their work offices and departments.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the officials of the Ministry of Water and Energy for professionally completing this important capacity-building program. I urge the relevant officials to continue organizing such programs to further enhance the training of professional staff and fulfill their responsibilities.

Wassalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.