Public Relations Officer She is an Afghan-born women’s rights activist, communications professional, and community service worker with over 15 years of experience advocating for girls’ education, women’s empowerment, and human rights. She has worked extensively in remote and culturally sensitive areas of Afghanistan, overcoming social, security, and religious barriers to promote access to education for…
Coordination Officer Ms. Hayide Işıl is a social worker, migration expert, and academic specializing in refugee integration, women’s rights, and psychosocial support. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and a thesis-based Master’s degree in Islamic History and Arts from Istanbul University. She has worked with international organizations including UNHCR partners, Doctors of the World,…
Communication and Outreach Officer Nabiya Khatibi is a Law and Political Science graduate, human rights defender, and civil activist in education and research. Having previously served as a teacher in Afghanistan, she has played a vital role in the intellectual empowerment of the youth. She currently serves as the Communications and Outreach Officer at the…
Anti-Extremism Program Advisor Mr. Bismellah Taban is Anti-Extremism Program Advisor. He is Former General Director of Crime Investigation Department of Ministry of Interior Affairs of Afghanistan and PhD candidate with expertise in counter-radicalization and security studies. He has contributed to policy development and program design aimed at preventing violent extremism, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
Media Advisor & Independent Journalist Ms. Arpan Rai is a media advisor and independent correspondent specializing in human rights, gender issues, and Asian affairs. She has reported extensively for international media outlets, including The Independent, covering conflict zones and global politics. Her work focuses on amplifying marginalized voices and promoting freedom of expression.
Advocacy Advisor Ms. Sahraa Karimi is an Afghan film director and University Lecturer, screenwriter, and producer, and the first Afghan woman to earn a PhD in Film Studies. She is internationally recognized for her feature film Hava, Maryam, Ayesha, Afghanistan’s official Oscar submission premiered at the Venice Film Festival. She previously served as the first…
Founder & Director General – Bareen Initiative for Development (BID) Mr. Mohammad Nasir Saleh is a security and defense expert and the Founder and Director General of the Bareen Initiative for Development (BID). Master’s degree in Military and Security Studies from King’s College London, and a Level Seven Master’s in Defense Studies from the UK’s…
Advisory Board Former Deputy Minister for Strategy and Policy, Ministry of Defense, Afghanistan Mr. Gulla Jan Khawari is a senior defense and security strategist. He served as Deputy Minister for Strategy and Policy at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense, where he oversaw national defense planning, institutional reform, and modernization of the armed forces. He played a…
Advisory Board Founder, Afghanistan Impact He is a development and diplomacy professional and founder of Afghanistan Impact. He earned a Master’s degree in Patterson Diplomacy through a Fulbright Scholarship and served as an advisor at the U.S. Embassy for nine years. Through Afghanistan Impact, he promotes sustainable development, education, employment, and democratic participation, and he…
Advisory Board Deputy Ambassador of Afghanistan to Poland Mrs. Nigara Mirdad is a senior Afghanistan diplomat serving as Deputy Ambassador to Poland. She plays an active role in strengthening bilateral relations, cultural exchange, and humanitarian cooperation. Following the Taliban takeover, she supported underground education initiatives for Afghan girls. In 2025, she received an international Peace…