Andiana Foundation Events
Upcoming Events
Drones, AI and Modern Warfare: Afghanistan’s Regional Security Landscape and Global Security Risks
October 9, 2026 - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST
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Past Events
Afghanistan's Path Forward
Toward an Afghan-Led Political Process for Inclusive Governance and Regional Security.
Official Side-Event of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Co-organized by the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan, The Andiana Foundation, and Independent Diplomat, 24 September 2026, 3:00-5:00 PM, Conference Room 11, United Nations Headquarters, New York
UNGA81 marks five years since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. During this period, Afghanistan has experienced a profound political, humanitarian, economic, and human rights crisis, while regional and international actors have continued to reassess how best to respond. Five years on, the central question is how international engagement can move from crisis management to a durable political solution—one that breaks the stalemate and enables inclusive, legitimate governance that reflects Afghan aspirations and advances peace, human rights, accountability, and regional security.
"Five Years of Taliban Rule" took place on August 28, 2026, it was a virtual webinar streamed on YouTube.
Five years after Kabul's fall, what does Afghanistan teach us about the consequences of excluding women from political transitions, and how can future peace processes ensure women are not only participants in resistance but also decision-makers in shaping political futures. Moderator: Nazila Jamshidi, Non-Resident Policy Fellow, Andian Foundation.
Across the Middle East and North Africa, moments of political rupture—whether gradual reform, mass protest, elite fragmentation, or regime collapse—have created both opportunity and backlash for women’s rights movements. Recent developments in Iran have revived urgent discussions about what political transition might look like in deeply institutionalized authoritarian systems. While the trajectory of Iran remains uncertain, history demonstrates that transitions rarely unfold linearly, and gender equality is often contested in the aftermath. The experiences of post-uprising transitions in Tunisia and Egypt offer cautionary and instructive lessons. In some cases, women were central to mobilization but marginalized during constitutional design and institutional restructuring. In others, partial reforms were followed by retrenchment. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, the collapse of democratic order in 2021 and the return of the Taliban revealed how quickly legal protections and civic space for women can be dismantled when institutional safeguards are weak. This webinar does not assume regime change in any context. Instead, it asks a forward-looking policy question: When authoritarian systems fracture, what determines whether gender justice advances, stalls, or regresses?
The nature of the Taliban’s relationship with Afghanistan’s neighboring countries remains complex and fluid. These relationships have experienced significant fluctuations, as regional actors neither fully trust the Taliban to sustain transparent and predictable relations, nor can they afford complete disengagement due to overlapping strategic and security interests. Recent developments in 2025 have added new dimensions to these dynamics. Moscow’s formal recognition of the Taliban, the sharp deterioration of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and India’s decision to host and welcome Taliban representatives mark a critical phase of regional realignment. While the Taliban seeks to leverage regional engagement to expand its legitimacy and to gain a political foothold, neighboring states are primarily driven by the pursuit of security guarantees and stability along their borders. Afghanistan’s citizens, including its primary stakeholders in these regional challenges, have no voice in current arrangements but will be crucial to any long-term solutions. The evolving regional order has brought several interconnected challenges to the forefront, including border security, transnational militancy, refugee flows, water disputes, narcotics trafficking, barriers to economic cooperation, and the spread of extremism and radicalization. In light of these issues, a central question remains: how can these challenges be effectively addressed through a collaborative and principled regional approach that engages Afghanistan without legitimizing the Taliban? Whether through existing regional platforms or the creation of a new mechanism, a coordinated framework is essential to mitigate these crises. What such a mechanism means, particularly in terms of its structure, facilitation, and participating countries, will be the central questions. To explore the practicality of a regional mechanism for principled security, and in response to these shifting regional dynamics, the Andiana Foundation, in collaboration with the Sigur Center, will convene a mid-level conference. This conference will examine recent developments in Afghanistan’s relations with its neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, China, India, and Uzbekistan. The conference will bring together experts, scholars, and practitioners to: Analyze the depth and implications of the evolving regional dynamics; Discuss the changing political and security environment, both within Afghanistan and its neighboring countries; and Explore and generate actionable policy options, particularly a regional mechanism for conflict prevention and resolution and fostering regional stability
On March 31, 2026, the Andiana Foundation convened a panel of regional experts to discuss the ongoing conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The discussion focused on the causes of escalation, the limits of military responses, and the challenges facing diplomatic efforts. A key point raised by panelists was the failure of Pakistan’s strategy toward the Taliban. Since their return to power in 2021, the relationship between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan has shifted from cooperation and support to growing tension and hostility. This change has reduced Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan and contributed to rising tensions. The most immediate driver of the conflict is the threat posed by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan claims operates from Afghan territory, with the Afghan Taliban providing sanctuary and support. According to one of the panelists, more than 130 Pakistani civilians were killed in the first three months of 2026, following approximately 400 deaths in 2025. Pakistan’s expectation that the Taliban would contain the TTP has not been met, contributing to the current conflict. Pakistan has responded with cross-border airstrikes targeting alleged TTP outposts in Afghanistan. Panelists noted that these actions raise serious legal concerns under international law, including violations of sovereignty, restrictions on the use of force, and protections for civilians. Some strikes reportedly hit civilian sites, including a rehabilitation center in Kabul, killing hundreds of civilians. The Taliban’s limited capacity to govern and defend the country adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. Afghanistan lacks effective airspace control, modern detection systems, and the ability to respond to a more advanced military. Borders remain relatively open, allowing militant groups to move between countries with ease. This imbalance limits the Taliban’s ability to manage security threats or respond to external pressure. Regional dynamics also play a role. India has increased its engagement with the Taliban through diplomatic outreach and humanitarian assistance. While this is not a direct cause of the conflict, Pakistan views it as a strategic concern and a clear sign of its declining influence in Afghanistan. Efforts to mitigate tensions between the two countries have not produced meaningful results. Talks involving Qatar, Turkey, and other actors have stalled due to disagreements over core issues. Pakistan has called for concrete action against the TTP and formal commitments, while the Taliban have rejected these demands, describing the issue as Pakistan’s problem to solve. Although a temporary ceasefire is in place, the situation remains unstable. At the same time, weak international coordination on Afghanistan policy reduces the effectiveness of diplomatic pressure. The human cost of the conflict is significant. Civilian casualties on both sides continue to rise, and conditions in Afghanistan remain fragile. Panelists agreed that military action is unlikely to resolve the underlying issues. Instead, they emphasized the need for sustained dialogue and greater international engagement. Without progress in diplomacy and coordination, the risk of further escalation remains high, along with continued harm to civilians and regional stability.
November 20, 2025 -“Crossroads of Tension and Cooperation: Afghanistan–Pakistan Relations in Perspective”. The discussion brings together leading experts to explore the complex dynamics shaping relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, focusing on regional security, trade, and prospects for cooperation.
August 22, 2025 - Andiana Foundation hosts a virtual panel discussion examining the complex and rapidly evolving security environment in Afghanistan and its surrounding region. The event will also be streamed live on the Foundation’s YouTube channel, providing access to a global audience. This program marks the fourth anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, a turning point that has reshaped Afghanistan’s internal politics, altered regional alliances, and introduced new challenges for global security. Over the past four years, the Taliban’s governance has unfolded alongside persistent human rights concerns, severe restrictions on women and girls, and growing questions about the group’s ties to terrorist networks. At the same time, shifting geopolitical alignments and intensified cross-border militancy have transformed the regional security calculus for Afghanistan’s neighbors and beyond. The discussion will bring together distinguished experts to explore the Taliban’s evolving relationships with groups such as Al-Qaida and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the implications of these alliances for regional stability, and the broader ideological currents shaping Afghanistan’s trajectory. Panelists will also consider the strategic responses of key regional powers, the potential for renewed proxy conflicts, and the ways in which militancy and ideological extremism could influence future security trends in South and Central Asia. By situating Afghanistan’s current dynamics within the larger geopolitical landscape, this event will provide policymakers, analysts, and the public with critical insight into one of the most pressing and complex security issues of our time.
October 30, 2024 - Leading experts convene to discuss Afghanistan and regional challenges and find ways forward.
The Andiana Foundation in collaboration with the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative hosted a discussion taking stock of US Policy options in Afghanistan.
May 13, 2024 - Nearly four years after the Taliban's return to power, US policy on Afghanistan remains unclear. The Taliban's close ties to al-Qaida and the growing trend of radicalization in the country poses a direct threat to US interests in the region. Along with the Taliban's pattern of suppression, instability, and its lack of inclusive governance, us policy makers have already raised serious concerns on the political trajectory of the country. Still, engagements between US officials and the Taliban on issues like counterterrorism, humanitarian aid, and the release of detainees have progressed, despite the lack of a coherent long-term strategy. Our discussion will assess the evolving political and security landscape of Afghanistan, its implications for US strategic interests, and the way forward for US policy on Afghanistan.
Speakers:
Event Reports
September 24, 2026
Afghanistan’s Path Forward: Toward an Afghan-Led Political Process for Inclusive Governance and Regional Security
On September 24, 2026, the Andiana Foundation hosted an official side event of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan, the Independent Diplomat, and the Permanent Mission of Finland. The event was convened to identify practical policy options for coordinated regional and international action in support of the establishment of legitimate and inclusive political process for Afghanistan. Ambassador Naseer Faiq of the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the UN opened the session outlining the current challenges facing Afghanistan, including governance issues, human rights violations, economic stagnation, and security concerns. He stressed that humanitarian aid, while critical, cannot alone fix a crisis of political legitimacy or restore suspended development assistance. He also stated that engagement must not be an end in itself or serve as an endorsement of the status quo; its clear objective must be a durable political solution. Amb. Faiq concluded his opening remarks stating that solutions require Afghan agency, namely the inclusion of women, youth, and civil society, to lead the process, supported by regional and international actors. Dr. Nilofar Sakhi, the President of the Andiana Foundation, added further context to the urgency of the situation in Afghanistan, emphasizing that the humanitarian crisis is dire, with 21 million people are in need of aid, and that the gender crisis, the institutionalized exclusion of women and girls severely impairs the country’s recovery. Furthermore, the extreme ideology embedded in governance and education poses long term threats to both Afghanistan and regional stability. Dr. Sakhi outlined the Andiana Foundation’s two year long Track II Dialogue, which has brought together peace and security specialists, civil society practitioners, former diplomats, journalists, and scholars from Afghanistan, and six other South and Central Asian countries with the goal of generating new concepts for a regional mechanism that can actively engage key stakeholders in efforts to bring lasting stability to Afghanistan and peace with its neighbors. Laura Rissanen, the State Secretary to the Minister of Social Security of Finland, gave the keynote address, emphasizing Finland's steadfast solidarity with Afghan women and girls. She strongly condemned the Taliban’s gender-based persecution, noting it may constitute a crime against humanity. Ms. Rissanen also emphasized the need for accountability through established investigative mechanisms. She reaffirmed that women’s rights remain central priorities for Finland’s foreign, security, and development policies, as evidenced by continued funding for reproductive health services. Marlene Spoerri, Director of the US and UN at Independent Diplomat, began the moderated panel outline the main guiding questions for the discussion: How can the international community align its policies around the central objective of establishing a legitimate and inclusive system of governance in Afghanistan? How can existing regional and international mechanisms be better coordinated and utilized to advance a coherent approach to Afghanistan? What form of genuinely Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political process can credibly advance this objective and ensure the meaningful participation of women, youth, civil society, etc? Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal, Former Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the UN, agreed that genuine political processes must be led and owned by Afghans themselves. He critiqued the Doha process, noting that the Taliban managed to extract international incentives without delivering on political inclusivity, human rights, or a return to legitimate governance. Amb. Saikal also highlighted efforts across various international gatherings to build trust, form a unified opposition umbrella, and develop a strategic framework spanning current, transitional, and stability phases. He criticized the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for being reactive rather than proactive or preventative, and urged the UN Security Council to prioritize the needs of the Afghan population over engagement with the de facto authorities. Amb. Saikal also stressed the need for reviewing outdated sanctions regimes and aligning international and regional actors around rule-based governance, rather than normalizing the status quo. Ambassador Jayant Prasad, the former Ambassador of India to Afghanistan, recommended expanding functional cooperation models akin to the UN Regional Center for Preventative Diplomacy in Central Asia (UNRCCA), and focusing on pragmatic points of entry such as border security, trade, water, transit, and youth issues. In his view, establishing an inclusive legitimate government will be difficult in the short term, due to a general lack of trust, great power competition with conflicting interests, and regional instability. Amb.Prasad cautioned against fragmenting international approaches and emphasized that maintaining a sense of unity of purpose is critical for the international community. He also stressed that if the end goal is an accountable and representative government, any engagement with the Taliban must include inclusive representation. Asila Wardak, former Director General for UN Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, argued that the only way to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table is with coordinated international pressure and the kind of diplomatic isolation that makes their lack of accountability unsustainable. In her view, the Gulf States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) could play a pivotal role as they hold a unique and strategic influence. They could champion an authentic Islamic narrative supporting gender rights and establishing monitoring mechanisms. Ms. Wardak criticized several countries in the region, especially Pakistan, Iran, and India, for policies that are placing pressure on ordinary Afghans rather than holding the Taliban accountable. She urged these countries to stop supporting madrasas that generate extremism. Ms. Wardak stressed that Afghans need to stop waiting for permission, and start building a unified platform of civil society, women’s and youth groups, and diaspora networks to create an alternative and inclusive roadmap for the country’s future. Lutfullah Najafizada, the founder and CEO of Amu TV, explained that while the Taliban itself has not changed, the environment around the Taliban has, thus affecting their calculus. He noted that post-2021 the Taliban’s military dominance has shifted them from a willingness to share power to a “winner-takes-all” mindset. This has been heavily influenced by large shifts in the international environment and fragmentation among key global actors. Mr. Najafizada remarked on Afghan public sentiment, highlighting an internal survey showing that the Taliban’s approval rating remains low (at around 15 percent). He noted that there is an overwhelming public appetite to participate in shaping a democratic future, as evidenced by thousands of calls into media programs like Amu TV. Zakia Adeli, President of the Professionals and Experts Network for Afghanistan, highlighted that the accelerating loss of Afghani intellectual capital and the closure of formal diplomatic channels has precipitated a profound crisis of trust. She also noted the painful paradox of the country experiencing a massive brain drain, especially in academia, while the diaspora struggles abroad because their credentials are often not recognized. Ms. Adeli stressed the need to redefine inclusive governance and political participation to encompass economic, social, civic, and cultural dimensions. She expressed support for further Track II dialogues that engaged Afghan academics, legal scholars, and other technical specialists, directly with UN agencies and other independent working groups. During the interactive Q&A session, participants and panelists addressed the complex dynamics surrounding international engagement, the UN mandate, and internal Afghan leadership. Attendees raised critical questions regarding the transparency of historical negotiations like the Doha Agreement, the persistent leadership vacuum, and the severe humanitarian challenges including refugee deportations and economic isolation. Panelists emphasized that while UNAMA plays a vital role in documenting human rights conditions, its broader political impact remains constrained by Taliban intransigence and UN Security Council divisions. They underscored the necessity of moving toward multilateral frameworks, expanding regional functional cooperation, and leveraging private sector initiatives to support local livelihoods. A central theme of the discussion was the imperative to restore Afghan agency and rebuild trust across diverse communities and diaspora networks. Speakers highlighted that lasting progress depends on empowering Afghan civil society, women, academics, and technical experts to shape a unified national vision rather than relying solely on external interventions or waiting for Taliban consent. While acknowledging the political realities facing the UN and regional actors, panelists reaffirmed that genuine peace and stability in Afghanistan can only be achieved through an inclusive, Afghan-led process grounded in legitimacy, human rights, and representative governance.
