Understanding Afghanistan 2019

Supporting Democracy and Stability - The Path Ahead

(Berlin: June 7th - 8th, 2019)

Introduction

“Understanding Afghanistan 2019” is a two day program that represents a part of the Academy  for Cultural Diplomacy’s “International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2019”. The program aims to raise awareness of the history and development of Afghanistan, explore the political, economic, and security challenges currently facing the region, and consider the role that Germany, Europe, the NATO member states, and other international partners can play in helping to ensure sustainable development, democracy, and stability.

“Understanding Afghanistan” will take place in Berlin and will consist of lectures, seminars, and panel discussions held by leading figures from the fields of politics, diplomacy, economics, academia, civil society, and the private sector. These components will be complemented by cultural and social activities that will provide an opportunity to experience the diversity of cultures in central Asia and provide networking opportunities between the participants.

Understanding Afghanistan will focus in particular on the following issues:

  • The History and Development of the central Asian region - An exploration of the political and societal origins of modern day Afghanistan and its neighboring states, focusing in particular on their early origins, their role during the Cold War, and their development since 2001.
  • International cooperation in Afghanistan - A consideration of the role played by Germany and the international community in providing financial, strategic, military, and other support to ensure stability and development in Afghanistan and the central Asian region.
  • Strengthening Democracy and Governance - An analysis of the challenges faced by national governments in ensuring democratic, transparent state institutions, and holding peaceful, free, and fair elections.
  • Economic Reform and the Development of the Private Sector in Afghanistan - An analysis of the importance of strengthening the private sector in the region, in particular through the diversification of income opportunities and the support of international trade and investment.
  • Developing Human Capital - An analysis of the challenges faced in the provision of healthcare and education facilities and the repatriation of refugees and displaced peoples.
  • The Path Ahead and the Younger Generation - A look at the key challenges facing the next generation of Afghan and central Asian leaders in ensuring stability and development and a consideration of how they can be supported.

Program Methodology

“Understanding Afghanistan: Supporting Democracy and Stability - The Path Ahead” will be an interdisciplinary program including the following components:

Lectures

A range of lectures will be held by experts from the fields of politics, diplomacy, economics, academia, civil society, and the private sector. These components will inform the participants about key perspectives related to the themes outlined above and will raise awareness of other salient issues concerning Afghanistan and central Asia. Each lecture will be followed by an interactive session with the speaker, providing participants with the opportunity to express their own viewpoints and ask further questions.

Seminars

The program will include structured interactive seminars moderated by experts in the field that offer participants the opportunity to take part in group discussions on subjects related to the themes outlined above. Seminars provide a valuable counterbalance to lectures and panel discussions by providing an opportunity for participants to express their own opinions and learn from each other.

Panel Discussions

The program will include interactive panel discussions featuring inter-disciplinary selections of speakers and will be moderated by an expert from the respective field. These discussions allow a more dynamic consideration of topics and encourage constructive debate on key points. Panel discussions will be followed by question and answer sessions with the audience.

Public Events and Cultural Activities

In addition to the program components outlined above, “Understanding Afghanistan 2019” will include evening events open to the general public. These events will consist of an academic component, such as a lecture or panel discussion, which will be followed by  social event  and catered Afghan cuisine.

Public events play an important role by allowing a more diverse audience to learn about the program and the issues under discussion, and by providing further opportunities for participant networking.

Online Presentation

All components and material related to “Understanding Afghanistan” will be available to the general public on the event webpage (www.understandingafghanistan.org). This will include videos of events, written reports, photos, and other related material. This documentation will be uploaded instantly.