Speech of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs at the International Water Research Conference
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Honorable Minister and officials of the Ministry of Higher Education, respected university professors, local and international researchers, representatives of the governmental institutions, Mujahideen, esteemed guests, and all participants:
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
I am delighted to be here today, participating with you in this International Water Research Conference, organized through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Higher Education and Kabul Polytechnic University, addressing one of the most pressing needs of our time.
Honored attendees,
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The significance and necessity of water are evident to all. Water is an unparalleled blessing from the Almighty Creator, and without it, the survival of humans, animals, and plants, as well as the economic growth and development of nations, would be impossible.
The importance of water has been emphasized by its Creator in the Holy Quran. As members of an Islamic society, we are religiously obligated to handle water responsibly. On the other hand, to compete globally, achieve economic growth, and secure the rights of future generations, sustainable and professional water management is an essential and significant national duty.
Although water is a renewable natural resource, it is increasingly scarce due to climate change, rising levels of water pollution, growing human needs, and irresponsible handling of water. This scarcity is becoming a critical challenge globally. Not only has it caused water shortages for countries worldwide, but it has also negatively impacted political and economic relations among countries.
Dear participants,
Afghanistan, like its richness in mineral resources, is also endowed with vast natural water resources. However, due to various reasons, professional and national management of this immense and invaluable resource has been neglected throughout Afghanistan’s contemporary history. Consequently, it is now our shared responsibility to fulfill our national duty by utilizing every possible means and resource for the sustainable development and effective management of our country’s water resources.
In this regard, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is striving to ensure the proper utilization and management of water. Notable examples of these efforts include the excavation of the Qosh Tepa Canal and the construction and renovation of several dams.
Today’s scientific and research conference on water, hosted at Kabul Polytechnic University, is an excellent initiative. It provides an opportunity for university professors and researchers to share their studies and experiences, paving the way for further research in water management. I hope this conference will not be the last and that all public and private universities and research centers in Afghanistan will continue their efforts in this critical field.
Respected university professors and researchers,
you are well aware that all global advancements are the result of scientific research, which forms the foundation of every logical decision. Regrettably, the culture of research in Afghanistan’s universities is not as strong as it should be, and sufficient efforts have not been made in this regard. To my knowledge, many of our graduates cannot independently write their research theses. As a significant and fundamental recommendation, I urge you to strengthen the culture of research in universities, enrich academic materials, and strive to identify the visible and tangible problems of our beloved country. Use the findings of your research to propose practical solutions to the relevant governmental institutions.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education and Kabul Polytechnic University for organizing this important and necessary conference. I also deeply appreciate the professors and researchers who have written research papers in accordance with the main themes of this conference.
I wish you all a successful conference and hope that the findings of the presented research will be shared with the relevant governmental institutions for practical implementation.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.