Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Enhanced Integrated Framework ...

Consultative Groups (CGs) will continue toplay important role in coordinating the effortsof the Government and donors in implementationof the development programs and projects.The CGs will be important forum for improvingaid coordination, policy and implementationdialogue, and ensuring alignment of thedonor programs with the ANDS. Each CG isco-chaired by the Minister of Finance and arelevant member of the Oversight Committee.Line ministry representatives and other representativesselected by the co-chairs are responsiblefor the substantive work of the CGs, assistedby the Secretariat.Working Groups (WGs) have been establishedfor each sector, and where necessary are supportedby sub-working groups. They will remainto be the key forum through which lineministries and international partners can developprograms, align efforts and monitor results.The Policy Action Group (PAG) will provideoverall direction to key Afghan and internationalactors to ensure that the interdependenceof security, governance and development objectivesguide operations and programs in orderto achieve the conditions for basic servicedelivery, development programs and privatesector-led growth, especially in conflict affectedareas.At the sub-national level, the Provincial DevelopmentCommittees (PDCs), chaired by theGovernors, will ensure coordination within theprovincial administration and with the donors,PRTs and civil society.INTEGRATING CONFLICTMANAGEMENT INTOSECTOR STRATEGIESThere are deep concerns about the feasibility ofinitiating development and reconstruction programsdue to the ongoing conflict in someprovinces, as well as increasing attacks countrywide.This insecurity is preventing the implementationof development projects in severalareas of the country. The impacts of conflictand violence on development efforts willbe more comprehensively addressed in implementationof the programs and projects. Theconflict evaluation mechanism will be establishedwithin the existing monitoring structureswith aim to sensitizing development and aid toconflict and risks. However, a proper diagnosiswill be part of program and project preparations.The Central Monitoring and Reporting System(CMRS) 62 will conduct specific assessment andanalysis which will subsequently mainstreamand integrate conflict awareness and sensitivityinto all areas of development assistance (basedon criteria to be developed in cooperation withthe donors) to ensure that development programswill not erode stability or increase conflict.Finally, conflict awareness and peacepromotinginitiatives will be incorporated intoreconstruction and development assistance andspecial attention will be paid to ensure that developmentprograms do not upset cultural valuesor beliefs.CONCLUSIONImplementation of the ANDS under the IntegratedApproach will require synchronizationof budgetary, cabinet, legislative, program andstabilization cycles. In particular, it will requiremeasures to further strengthen the capacity ofstate bodies responsible for these processes (Officeof Administrative Affairs, Ministry of ParliamentaryAffairs, Ministry of Finance,IARCSC, IDLG, NSC) and Inter-MinisterialCommittees, as well as those responsible forprogram delivery (line ministries, provincialand district administrations). It will requirestrengthened coordination and alignment byinternational partners under the overall authorityof the JCMB, delivered through CGs, WGsand the PAG.The implementation framework conceived inthis strategy requires an ongoing evaluationand monitoring, and an enhanced risk managementmechanism, as there are continuingsignificant risks to stability which may yet underminethe underlying assumptions. Themain risk for successful implementation of theANDS will continue to be security. Domesticand donor resource mobilization remains anextremely demanding challenge, which will notyield reliable long-term predictability for thebudget process for some time to come. Implementationof donor commitments will be62 See text in the Monitoring Framework for information on theCMRS174Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS)