The UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Afghanistan Jan Kubis has said development achievements of the last decade are at risk due to poor function of governance. This remark was made at the UN Security Council meeting. He said sustainability of development gains is at risk because of weak and inadequate systems of sub-national governance, lack of support from the central level, capacity constraints and insufficient planning on the civilian side. 

Jan Kubis warned Security Council (SC) members and the international community that withdrawal of the US and NATO troops is accompanied by huge reduction of large-scale military backed stabilization projects, and that the combined effect of these would have substantial economic impacts.

The international community, particularly non-NATO nations and global economic powers need to play a more active role to keep sustainability of the development on track to ensure stability in Afghanistan and the region. If they are reluctant to directly involve, the global powers such as China and Russia need to increase their support through UN programs.

Mr. Kubiš also drew attention to pressing humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, saying it remains one of the poorest countries in the world, but that international donations to this year's combined aid appeal were disappointing, coming in at just 48 per cent of the requested $448 million. This figure shows a reduction of almost 50 percent from that of last year. He further added that this year has been important for Afghanistan to consolidate international financial, development and security commitments aimed at helping the country cope beyond 2014.

There were echoes of the Afghan Government commitment in response to the pledges of international support. Jan Kubis rightly stated that the coming presidential elections in 2014 will have profound implications for stability across the region. The international community needs to realize the importance of it which can be a turning point for Afghanistan. The recent election law introduced by the present administration is a serious attempt to influence the polls, which could undermine international efforts.

The UN envoy the rampant corruption was a "corrosive effect" of the narcotics industry. He added that the increase in both cannabis and opium cultivation reported in this period must be a wakeup call, with the illicit economy being an active impediment to institutional development and sustainable growth.