Summary and purpose:
The Experts for Relief and Development of Afghanistan (ERADA) and the Centre for Afghanistan Policy Studies (CAPS) is jointly organising the first ever virtual diaspora conference to bring together representative of Afghan diaspora communities from across the world. The main purpose of the conference is to connect different diaspora groups, exchange information on their activities, enhance diasporas’ participation and contribution to the development process in Afghanistan and establish a common platform to facilitate more regular interaction and coordination in the future.
Background and Rationale
The protracted history of four decades of conflict has adversely impacted the lives of many Afghans. Statistics show that there are over six million Afghans living in other countries including Iran and Pakistan. One of the unfortunate consequences of war is brain-drain which has a significant negative effect on development of the country. In particular, with the escalation of conflict over the last two decade, there has been yet again an exponential rise in the number of Afghans fleeing their homeland. Among them are Afghan professionals, experts and highly educated individuals whose skills and expertise are much needed back home. While they are physically away from their homeland, they remain emotionally connected, morally engaged and eager to help the country during these most challenging times and years to come.
Although there have been some positive initiatives by some Afghan diasporas particularly in health and social welfare sectors, the absence of a common platform to coordinate diaspora activities and provide systematic and sustainable support on matters of national interest such as the peace process as well as humanitarian and development activities have led to fragmented approaches. With the help of information technology, it is now feasible to achieve this goal by organizing a virtual international conference of Afghans in diaspora to connect, communicate and coordinate among themselves with the overall aim of serving Afghanistan.
Expected Participants in the Conference:
- Afghan diaspora communities, organizations and professionals around the world
- Representatives of international organizations and Goverrnment of Afghanistan (opening and closing session)
Expected Outcomes:
- Identify and map the Afghan diaspora communities and networks around the world to create synergies and establish a permanent platform for future coordination, communication and collaboration on issues of common interest
- Establish a system for identifying national priorities and specific thematic areas for collaboration such as health, education, agriculture, research and academia, etc.
- Rasise awareness and enhance sense of national unity and social cohesion among Afghan diaspora communities
- Explore specific and practical mechanisms through which the Afghan diaspora communities could transfer expertise, knowledge and skills to their home country.
In the long run, this historical event could pave the way for continued coordination and communication to exchange information on relevant activities, strengthen Afghan’s presence and prominence in host countries, create a more dynamic platform for sharing their issues, discussing solutions and addressing concerns.
Format:
The event will be held virtually and broadcasted live via social media such as Youtube and Facebook channels to a broader audience inside and outside Afghanistan. The conference will be conducted for one day for three hours with a high-level opening session followed by a workshop style small group discussion on various topics of interests. The conference will end with an action agenda for further collaboration among the participants.
Principles of Participation:
Participation in this conference is voluntary, non-political, not-for- profit and solely for the purpose of realisation of the abovementioned objectives. Participants are required to strictly adhere to these principles and refrain from any discussions that may imply favouring a specific political side/team or supporting any discriminatory behaviour that might contradict the purpose and spirit of the conference. A more detailed guidance note for participants and moderators will be developed and shared ahead of the conference.
Participation criteria:
Diaspora organizations which meets the following criteria are encouraged to participate:
- Has humanitarian and development activities inside Afghanistan or promoting Afghanistan’s national interest outside the country.
- Is officially registered as a non-profit entity outside Afghanistan.
- Has active public profile such as a website and/or social media accounts highlighting their activities.
- Is not linked to any political party inside Afghanistan
Dates & Time
Saturday 19th June 2021: 18:00-21:00 Hours Kabul Time
Organising Committee:
The Experts for Relief and Development of Afghanistan (ERADA) and the Centre for Afghanistan Policy Studies (CAPS) has formed an organising committee which will provide secretariate services to the Conference. The organising committee will be responsible for all preparations for the conference including issuing of the final outcome document and report and will serve as contact point for conference.
Contact:
Interested individuals and or groups can contact the organising committee through email: afghandiasporaconference@gmail.com for any question or to register their interest