AT
Kabul: The third round of discussions on the situation in Afghanistan, known as the Antalya meeting, commenced on Monday with over 80 experts, human rights defenders, diplomats, and journalists from within and outside Afghanistan participating.
Hosted by the Center for Dialogue and Progress-Geneva in Antalya, Turkey, the two-day event aimed to address the challenges facing Afghanistan, which is considered one of the world’s most fragile nations due to its economic and cultural issues.
The initial day of this gathering, which commenced with the attendance of numerous human rights advocates, civil society activists, women’s rights defenders, experts, and journalists, will delve into discussions on “assessing the current political and economic landscape in Afghanistan, along with the challenges and prospects for fostering democracy and accountability in the future.”
“The subsequent session focusing on community will center on redefining civil society, the emerging Afghan women’s movement, urban versus rural dynamics, and the clash between conservative and progressive ideologies,” as stated in the announcement by the National Center for Dialogue and Development.
As per the institution’s statement, this assembly aims to facilitate discussions regarding “the evolving dynamics of Afghan society and the shared elements essential for establishing and sustaining a democratic, dignified, and inclusive society.”
Previously, the National Center for Dialogue and Development convened a gathering entitled “Peace Dialogue” to foster dialogue between the youth and members of the former government’s peace negotiation team.
During that period, discussions on peace spanned nine focal points including “transitional justice,” “war martyrs and victims,” “education,” “human rights,” “freedom of expression,” “effective governance,” “reintegration of armed forces and Taliban insurgents,” and “post-peace government and strategies for enhancing communication between urban centers and rural districts.” These discussions involved the participation of intellectuals, particularly youth, from Kabul and various provinces across Afghanistan.