The Afghanistan Peace Association (APA), a non-partisan umbrella organization representing Afghans from all political affiliations, sponsored a symposium entitled, "Exploring Sustainable Peace & Development in Afghanistan," at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York on November 13, 1999.

Approximately 150 Afghans from around the world as well as NGO representatives and others gathered to discuss peace and development in Afghanistan. This symposium was the first event organized by an Afghan organization to gather representatives from opposing political groups in one room.

The goal of the event aimed at identifying avenues for cooperation and development regardless of political affiliation in efforts to create a new discourse of national identity and nation building.

Symposium speakers emphasized that important links in the redevelopment of Afghanistan must include Afghans in the Diaspora and the younger generation of Afghans familiar with western democratic cultures. Many agreed the symposium was a step forward in utilizing the Afghan existence in western societies to promote and encourage democratic and peaceful reform inside Afghanistan.

Official representatives from the Taliban and the Northern Alliance were scheduled to attend the symposium but were called away to the State Department at the last minute to discuss sanctions, which went into place the following day.

The symposium was divided into five sessions with presentations from scholars, NGO representatives and activists with different fields of expertise on Afghanistan. Topics covered issues from environmental challenges facing redevelopment to religious institutions and women's issues.

The event opened with Qur’anic recitation by El Haj Sufi Khair Mohamad Sabery.  Dawer A. Nadi, President of APA, welcomed the audience and acknowledged this symposium was a result of tireless, grassroots efforts – the same efforts needed to rebuild Afghanistan.

The first session, "Facing Realities," explored major problems in developing a peaceful and economically productive Afghanistan. Daud Saba, an economic geologist from Afghanistan, addressed "Afghan’s Natural Heritage: Problems, Perspectives &

Sustainability." Saba utilized data to demonstrate that the environmental toll of war has been more costly in terms of lives and livelihood than armed conflict.

Azarakhsh Hafizi, representative of APA-Europe, was the second speaker presenting a paper titled, "What is the Current Situation Among Afghan Communities?" He provided a historical account of events that led to today's conflicts within Afghan communities, stressing that rural and urban communities in Afghanistan must be allowed to practice appropriate traditions rather than imposing urban traditions on rural peoples and vice versa.

Professor Zaman S. Stanizai, from the University of Southern California, presented a paper titled "Shifting Paradigms in the Ethno-Linguistic Mosaic of Afghanistan: A Socio-Political Analysis." In Stanizai's view, external factors play a major role in utilizing ethno-linguistic differences thus creating and enhancing conflicts that did not previously exist.

The second session focused on aspects indigenous to Afghan society that contribute to peace. Salah Keshawarz, from the University of Hartford, addressed "The Role of Afghan Exiles & Intellectuals in the Process of Nation-Building. Who and Where are They?" Using data from exiled communities of Afghans in Europe, Asia and North America,  Keshawarz emphasized the positive role that Afghan exiles can play in bringing peace and development in Afghanistan, indicating that experience in Western, democratic societies can benefit Afghanistan.

Helena Malikyar presented a paper titled, "The Role of Women in the Future Peace- & Institution-Building Processes in Afghanistan." She addressed women's rights in Islam and the role Afghan women have had in nation building.

Rameen J. Moshref, editor of “The Afghan Communicator: Voice of the Younger Generation,” spoke on “The Importance of the Younger Generation of Afghans as a Development Factor." His findings demand a change in the traditional view toward the younger generation and their role in patriarchal Afghan society.

The third session, "Challenges of Afghan Society,” considered the challenges facing nation building. Senzil Nawid shared her research on  "The Role of Traditional Religious Institutions in the Afghan History." Nawid provided a historical perspective on Afghan religious traditions.

Ian Mansfield from the United Nations Development Program examined "The Role of Landmine Clearance in Socio-Economical Development of Afghanistan." He outlined the dehabilitating impact of landmines in redevelopment and reviewed successful efforts of de-mining programs in Afghanistan.

Anwar al-Haq Ahady, president of the Afghan Social Democratic Party, coined a very interesting topic for discussion in his paper "Is Democracy Suitable for Afghans?"  Ahady suggested that democratic institutions are a viable alternative but must be contextualized for Afghan society.

The closing session outlined "The Next Five Years."  Ved Pratab Vaidik addressed  "Indian Perspectives on Afghanistan in the Backdrop of Regional Politics," and was very optimistic for the future of Afghanistan. His journalistic memoirs of the Afghan leaders in the past three decades were very interesting and controversial.

Mathew Fielden, of the London School of Economics, explored "The Role of NGOs in Local Peace-Building in the Post-Soviet Afghan Conflict," emphasizing the positive aspects of NGO activities in Afghanistan.

Joushan Stanizai was a last minute addition to the symposium. She addressed how the creation of community in the Diaspora is influenced by the "experience of exile" of Afghan refugees and immigrants in the West.

The final session was a discussion entitled, "Is Peace Possible?" While many in the audience held vastly different views on what type of peace was appropriate for Afghanistan, there was general consensus that steps must be taken to build democratic institutions regardless of who occupies the captain’s chair.

Most acknowledge the Taliban have created conditions in the 75% to 90% of the country under their control that might allow grassroots democratization to occur. The struggle among Afghans is to 1) find avenues for cooperation across different political ideologies, 2) locate resources from western countries and foundations to support such efforts, and 3) develop a new nationalist discourse that reflects contemporary realities of Afghans both inside Afghanistan and around the world.

The APA-sponsored symposium was a first and important step in addressing these challenges. APA President Nadi closed the symposium by reminding the audience that patience, tolerance and democratic behavior made the symposium a success .

Deonna Kelli is a graduate from East Carolina University, Greenville NC. She is also a coordinator of Association of Muslim Social Scientists. Her area of interests include the Afghan Region, Islam and Gender Studies. For Feedback, please e-mail dkelli@earthlink.net