On December 16, 2024, the Director General for Coordination of Municipal Affairs, Mawlavi Mohammad Ishaq Akhundzada, met with Nicholas Gardner, Head of Programme of UNOPS for Afghanistan, to discuss various issues, including the implementation of development projects across provincial municipalities.

The meeting took place in the conference hall of the General Directorate for Coordination of Municipal Affairs, where Mawlavi Mohammad Ishaq Akhundzada welcomed Mr. Gardner and stated that Afghanistan has recently emerged from a 50-year war crisis, and now is the time to rebuild the country.

Mr. Akhundzada expressed the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's appreciation for individuals and organizations that contribute to the country’s rebuilding efforts. He urged UNOPS to prioritize the launch of major infrastructure and development projects at the provincial level.

The Director General for Coordination of Municipal Affairs requested the UN representative to implement projects such as drinking water supply, construction of bridges, culverts, and retaining walls in several provinces. He assured Mr. Gardner that the General Directorate stands ready to offer full support and cooperation for the successful implementation of these projects.

In response, Nicholas Gardner, Head of Programme of UNOPS, stated that efforts are underway to implement larger projects across various provinces.

He added that they would convey the Islamic Emirate's message to World Bank officials to cooperate in completing unfinished projects.

It is worth mentioning that the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), in cooperation and coordination with the General Directorate for Coordination of Municipal Affairs, continues to provide financial support for the implementation of development projects in several provinces.