Advisory Board Diplomat and humanitarian leader, serving as Founder and President of Displaced International (DI). He previously served as Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka (2018–2022) and Director-General of the South Asia Cooperative Environment Program (SACEP). Earlier roles at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs included Director-General of Policy and Strategy and Deputy Chief of Mission in…
Advisory Board Former Cheif of National Directorate of Security (NDS) He graduated from Amani High School in Kabul and later earned a master’s-level qualification in strategic management and leadership from the Chartered Management Institute in the United Kingdom. He also holds a master of defence studies from King’s College London (KCL).Mr. Ahmad Zia Saraj is…
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…