Introduction

Increasingly, the private sector as a whole and civil society in particular are seen as keys to
development. An effective and functioning state apparatus is essential for any developing
country but, in AKDNs experience, complex development agendas cannot be left only to the
state. A nations growth - and some would argue its very survival - requires private initiative
(both for-profit businesses and non-profit civil society organisations) to make full and effective
use of the countrys human potential, generate material resources, and develop a vibrant and
robust socio-economic base.

News Archives
Statement at the Kabul Conference on Afghanistan (Kabul, Afghanistan)
20 July 2010 - Statement by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Kabul Conference on
Afghanistan
The Enabling Environment
01 March 2007 - In every country in which it works, the AKDN seeks to promote an enabling
environment the adoption of laws and policies that allow, favour and mainstream the creation
of civil society institutions, promote good governance and foster a socially responsible private
sector.
Social Audits in Afghanistan: Making Local Governance More Transparent
08 June 2009 - As Afghanistan struggles to rebuild a society which can supply its peoples needs
after years of conflict, one of the most widespread and persistent complaints is of corruption and
the lack of accountability in government. Social audits, which are carried out with the agreement
of the community development council and the community, allow local people to "audit" how
funds are used, pose questions about the progress of a development project and ask about staffing
and maintenance costs.
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Creating an Enabling Environment
In post-conflict countries, in particular, the creation of jobs is one of the
greatest determinants of a nations success or failure.As for-profit businesses are essential for
creating jobs and providing goods and services, AKDN supports the promotion of an enabling
environment - laws and policies that allow, favour and mainstream a socially responsible private
sector. Such an environment stimulates local initiative and draws inward investment, both of
which can have rapid and dramatic effects on employment and human resource development. In
post-conflict countries, in particular, the creation of jobs is one of the greatest determinants of a
nations success or failure.
AKDN also supports the creation of enabling environments for civil society organisations - those
organisations which are powered by private energies but designed to advance the public good.
Working in fields such as education, health, science and research, they embrace professional,
commercial, labour, ethnic and arts associations, and others devoted to religion, communication
and the environment. Many fight poverty and social inequity. An enabling environment
encourages such organizations to shoulder a share of the burden of national development. It also
persuades good managers, doctors and teachers to stay and serve their country rather than to
emigrate once they are skilled.
His Highness the Aga Khan first used the term "enabling environment" in 1983 in Kenya,
initiating dialogue that led to an Africa-wide Enabling Environment Conference in 1986. A
second Enabling Environment conference was held in Afghanistan in June 2007