Dr. Ashraf Ghani

New Year Statement (1397 Solar Hijri)

Keypoints:

Peace & Security: End conflict and protect all citizens.
Inclusive Governance: Involve all groups in decision-making.
Institutional Reform: Strengthen institutions and fight corruption.
Education & Youth: Expand learning for all children and youth.
Economic Development: Promote growth, agriculture, and self-reliance.
Security Forces: Improve police and military effectiveness.
Cultural Values: Preserve heritage and uphold principles.
Women’s Inclusion: Increase opportunities across all sectors.

In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

Dear compatriots esteemed sisters and brothers I congratulate all fellow citizens and the great nation of Afghanistan from the bottom of my heart on the arrival of the year 1397 Solar Hijri and the day of Nawroz In the coming year great tasks lie before us It is hoped that by relying on the will of God SWT the guidance of the Holy Prophet and the texts of the Holy Quran this nation will witness prosperity peace reforms and comprehensive progress

Elections and Democratic Process

We held the final meeting of 1396 focusing on one of the most vital duties of 1397 the holding of transparent and responsible elections across the country for the National Assembly as well as comprehensive preparations for the Presidential elections in 1398 In the next six weeks I will personally attend to all aspects concerning the will resources and coordination of the government We will meet with all strata of this country from the esteemed Ulema to political parties civil society tribal elders and women's networks to prevent any type of political or administrative interference in this important national matter The Constitution is our national covenant power stems from the active participation of the people Renewing this pledge is the guarantee of our future It is expected that the honorable members of Parliament provide an account of their work to the people so that citizens have a report card in hand when evaluating those seeking re-election I call upon all people to participate comprehensively in the elections The process we followed in Herat where we met with all sectors of society will God willing be implemented in most provinces this year This will ensure that reforms are not only enacted in the center but are also implemented in the provinces

Peace and National Reconciliation

Beyond political considerations our other major and vital duty is Peace There should be no doubt that the people of Afghanistan have a consensus that peace must come and the war which has embittered our lives for forty years must end Therefore I want to say that our peace is comprehensive dignified and has the support of all strata of Afghanistan War is not the solution Anyone who continues the path of war and conflict will face the decisive will of the nation However we must clearly understand that there will be obstacles in the peace process but these will not cause us to lose sight of our goal Because what God has commanded us and what is our religious obligation and national duty must be carried out comprehensively I will not hesitate to make any sacrifice required of the government and specifically of myself on this path Peace is not for me peace is for our young women our youth and our future generations This is a promise not only to all those currently living but also to the generations yet unborn This must be the legacy of the Government of National Unity

Security Forces and Institutional Reforms

Another necessary point the beginning of which the nation has already seen is the national consensus on Reform The people of Afghanistan are a great nation that has proven its status and bravery through great sacrifices throughout history Once again on this day I offer my condolences to the families of the martyrs wish a speedy recovery for the wounded and offer full support for our security and defense forces Yesterday you witnessed a fundamental reform in management and unified command as the Public Order forces were transferred from the Ministry of Interior to the Ministry of National Defense Strengthening the Police is a nationwide duty for all security forces however from now on the Police will focus seriously on the rule of law preventing land grabbing and corruption and providing full protection for the lives and property of all compatriots Reforms within our security and defense forces are proceeding well In 1397 you will see many fruits and results of this Furthermore in the civil sector the administration will become more transparent day by day This transparency will be achieved through clear and transparent competition via the Administrative Reform Commission Every Afghan must be assured that they will participate in the government based on their merit and competence

Social Justice and Public Service

National participation is an accepted principle but it must be based on the best not the lowest common denominator The people of Afghanistan expect results Everyone in government from myself as the first servant of the country to the most junior member must consider themselves a servant of the people This requires a change in culture In all three sectors elections peace and reform a great cultural change is required so that within the framework of our national unity which is our greatest historical legacy we can determine our own future

Economic Development and Regional Cooperation

On this basis Economic Development and the eradication of poverty are our duties I cannot accept that one third of this great nation goes to bed hungry at night On Farmer’s Day Minister Durrani and others will speak in detail but it must be clear that Afghanistan by the grace of God has the potential to stand on its own feet and it is imperative that we do so Another point of vital importance for the coming year is that development is not limited to agriculture We will witness the implementation of our large vital projects and regional cooperation which forms the core of our foreign policy The nation will see these results day by day because the future lies in a secure Afghanistan within a stable Asian region

Education and Women’s Inclusion

Another vital matter is this our children must have access to an education that allows future generations to benefit from this great history and its opportunities with pride Therefore based on the consensus of the Cabinet and consultation with the people 1397 will be the Year of Education On Education Day more details will be presented and the nation will witness the fundamental reforms they desire in the education system I call upon the entire nation to launch a national Hashar collective effort for education especially for the millions of children who are currently not in school We must all gird our loins this year to provide opportunities for the future of Afghanistan our sons and daughters In this regard let it be clear that the role of Afghan women in all sectors especially in administration and politics is increasing daily In the economic sector opportunities will be created for them as permitted by the Sharia of Muhammad PBUH Do not forget that the greatest trader in Arabia was Bibi Khadija RA and we are following her path All our principles are based on Islamic beliefs and our national culture Our unity is the guarantee of this land’s future I once again call upon the nation which has always held a unified stance against opponents to prepare for progress so that we may end the forty year crisis inherited from the past We shall establish the future state society economy and international relations on a foundation that will benefit this great nation for hundreds of years to come