AlQa'dah 15, 1434, Sep 21, 2013, SPA -- As internet use in urban centres and amongst youth booms, Afghanistan is set to host its first-ever social media summit, with organizers promoting the websites as democratic tools for engaging citizens and communities in the war-torn country, dpa reported. Called "Paiwand," which means "connection" in the local Dari language, the event is slated for September 22-23 in the capital Kabul. While the internet penetration is only 3.5 per cent, there are some 18 million mobile phone users in the desperately impoverished country of 27 million. Last year, Afghanistan introduced 3G mobile internet. Four companies now provide the service. Some 30 Afghans will speak on topics such as entrepreneurship, social activism, governance and transparency, as well as the upcoming presidential elections slated for April. -- SPA 18:20 LOCAL TIME 15:20 GMT تغريد
