Tuesday October 29th

Assistance or betrayal? New insights on 20 years of international military in Afghanistan

18:00 – 20:00

Vega Scene, Vega 1

The Afghanistan Week will kick off with the showing of the documentary Min fiendes fiende: Bedraget i Helmand, followed by an on-stage discussion.

In August 2021 Western forces left Afghanistan following twenty years of military, political, and civil society presence. The departure, although sped up by the victory of the Taliban over the Afghan military, was settled in the February 2020 agreement between the United States of America and the Taliban. The agreement specified not only the U.S. military withdrawal, but that of all foreign forces from Afghanistan. However, the story of international warfare in Afghanistan is far from complete. 

The documentary Min fiendes fiende: Bedragene i Helmand is a crushing criticism of Danish and British forces in Afghanistan. Despite their partial knowledge, the forces collaborated with a corrupt police chief who brutally oppressed local residents, assaulted young boys and used his position of authority to run an extensive opium trade. The film joins a long series of cases, in many countries, where abuses by international forces in Afghanistan have been documented. Do we know enough about what the Norwegian military knew and may have contributed to? 

Chair: Stig Arild Pettersen

Panellists: Graeme Smith, Martin Tamm Andersen, Kristian Berg Harpviken

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Wednesday October 30th

Afghanistan Today: A Situation Analysis

08:30 – 09:30

PRIO, Philosophers Hall

How is life for Afghans living inside Afghanistan today? How is the population adapting to the economic constraints and the restrictions from the ruling power? Are there visible protests or signs of resistance?

This seminar will give an overview of the complexity and variety of life in Afghanistan today, including coping mechanisms developed over the last three years, as people respond to the continuous and many new restrictions and regulations. The panel participants will share insights and analytical perspectives we seldom have access to through media, by sharing examples from daily life, work, and in-depth studies. The situation in Afghanistan is complex, and so is the response from its population.

If you want to increase your understanding of survival, creativity, adaptation, resilience, resistance and compliance among citizens of rural and urban Afghanistan, please join us.

Chair: Norunn Grande

Panellists: Terje Watterdal, Graeme Smith, Rayhana Karim

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Countering Taliban’s Oppression of Women: Engagement or Accountability?

10:00 – 11:00

PRIO, Philosophers Hall

This seminar explores the positions, focus and strategies of Afghan women’s rights activism both inside Afghanistan and in exile. It looks what unites and differentiates various groups and actors, and how  women activists inside Afghanistan relate to their counterparts in exile.

Chair: Torunn Wimpelmann

Panellists: Fereshta Abbasi, Madina Mahboobi, Payvand Seyedali

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How are human rights promoted and protected in the current Afghan context?

11:30 – 13:00

PRIO, Philosophers Hall

This session will provide an opportunity to hear firsthand experiences and insights from frontline human rights defenders working both in Afghanistan and internationally.  By hearing directly from those engaged in this challenging context, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the personal and professional challenges they face, as well as the strategies they use to overcome them. We will also invite international actors to comment on these testimonies, which will help shape recommendations for future actions.

Chair: Hasina Shirzad

Panellists: Payvand Seyedali, Hazrat Khan Hoshmand, Signe Gilen, Elisabeth Eide

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Three Years of Taliban Rule: Internal Politics and the Room for Engagement

16:00 – 17:30

PRIO, Philosophers Hall

After their return to Kabul in August 2021, the Taliban leadership have worked hard at consolidating its movement and developing new forms of governance. The structure it inherited from the preceding Republican government is still in place, but not necessarily with the same functions. Power is concentrated around the Emir’s office in Kandahar, key positions are filled by those with solid Taliban credentials, the court system is renewed (in compliance with the Taliban’s understanding of Sharia), and new institutions are being created across multiple levels.

The Taliban’s approaches to governance are evolving and far from all of their initiatives work out. Yet, working in Afghanistan under Taliban rule presumes a solid understanding of their organization and how they have sought to design governance.

This seminar will zoom in on how the Taliban has evolved over its first three years back in power, and discuss the possible implications of its current state for the engagement strategies pursued by Afghan citizens (in-country or in the diaspora), NGOs, multilateral organization and states both in the neighborhood and further afield.

Chair: Kristian Berg Harpviken

Panellists: Arne Strand, Fatima Gailani, Graeme Smith

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Norway’s Afghanistan policy. Options and Dilemmas

18:00 – 21:00

PRIO, HD

Main event, Afghanistan Week 2024

After returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have only very selectively followed up on the promises they made to the world. While security has improved and drugs are eradicated, unparallelled restrictions are imposed on girls and women as well as on public debate and political participation. In turn, different countries have adapted different strategies towards the Taliban administration. Norway has been at the forefront of dialogue with the Taliban, even it has not established diplomatic representation.

Neighbouring countries have prioritised closer contact for trade and security reasons. Some Western countries want to take the Taliban to the International Court of Justice for their restrictions on women and girls, heeding the calls of many Afghan women rights defenders to hold the Taliban accountable. Some argue for a total disengagement from the Taliban altogether.

Many of those who advocate for dialogue, closer collaboration and more long-term aid point to the gravity of the humanitarian and climate crisis in Afghanistan. UN and NGO staff, as well as female activists inside Afghanistan, focus on day-to-day negotiations to carve out the space to make a practical difference to everyday lives under increasingly challenging conditions.

Those advocating for engagement worry that isolating the Taliban will leave Afghans starving and at the mercy of Taliban hardliners and the interests of regional powers. They suggest that public statements and diplomacy will be counterproductive and only serve to harden the Taliban’s position. On the other hand, those favouring a more confrontational approach against the Taliban fear that engagement and support will consolidate totalitarian rule for generations to come.

At the main event of the 2024 Afghanistan Week, we will discuss the options and dilemmas surrounding Norwegian and international approaches to Afghanistan. We will start with an introduction by Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, on how the Norwegian government understands the situation and what is see itself doing in the years ahead. Following his presentation, Kravik meets Afghan experts in a panel debate. Important questions include:

• How can Norway best navigate competing considerations, whether through its direct engagement or through international collaboration?
• How can the Norwegian government balance concerns for an impoverished population and the effects of sanctions, with concerns for gender discrimination and human rights violations?
• How can Norway best continue to make a difference for Afghans?

The event will begin with a welcome from Secretary General of the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee, Liv Kjølseth, and a poetry reading by Khaleda Froagh, poet and author.

19:30-21:00: Reception

Chair: Kristian Berg Harpviken

Panellists: Statssekretær Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, Fatima Gailani, Madina Mahboobi, Fereshta Abbasi

With: Liv Kjølseth, Khaleda Froagh

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Thursday October 31st

Regional Trade and the Role of China

08:30 – 09:30

PRIO, Philosophers Hall

International sanctions, freezing of Bank of Afghanistan’s reserves and restrictions on bank transfers pose strong limitation on the Afghan economy. Taliban has therefore looked towards regional neighbours for trade and investment, countries less concerned over human rights than regional stability.

The Taliban administration has invited for collaboration and invested in road and rail infrastructure, as a road towards China through the Wakan corridor and railways to Iran and Uzbekistan. This to facilitate regional trade, electricity and gas transfers and potentially link up China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) rail networks in Central Asia and in Pakistan. China and Chinese companies, already active in Afghanistan during the Republic, have increased their presence and investments since USA’s departure. This includes the Afghan mining sector, where extractions of copper have started from the Mez Aynak reserves, but also oil and gas exploration in the Amu Darya basin.

While trade with Iran, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has increased has tension with Pakistan reduced their cross-border trade. Pakistan accuses the Taliban administration of housing the Pakistani Taliban and the Islamic State Khorasan Group (ISKG) have claimed responsibility for increasing number of attacks on Chinese projects, embassies and nationals in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The seminar will discuss if Afghanistan can provide a safe regional energy and trade corridor, if China is likely to withdraw or rather increase their diplomatic efforts, if China’s approach differs from other regions they invest in, and if regional trade can become a major source of income for the Taliban administration?

Chair: Arne Strand

Panellists: William Byrd, Ilaria Carozza

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On It’s Own Feet: Any Chance For Economic Recovery?

10:00 – 11:00

PRIO, Philosophers Hall

War was the engine of the Afghan economy, and as such the country’s economic decline begun already in 2014 when the military withdrawal began. International aid contributed to a significant percentage of the Afghan national budget and following international sanctions and a significant cut in aid – Afghanistan was hit by an economic shock immediately following the Taliban takeover.

An increase in humanitarian aid in the autumn of 2021, and throughout 2022 contributed to stabilizing the economy and prevented a full collapse of the banking system. War and conflict in Ukraine and Gaza, the uncompromising politics of the Taliban when it comes to education for girls and women, as well as the lack of respect for human rights, are now resulting in reduced humanitarian aid as well. With the politics pursued by the Taliban – the Afghan population has been left to fend for themselves.

In this seminar we want to explore what opportunities and limitations there are for economic growth in Afghanistan, including the possibilities that lie within minerals and farming, the consequences and limitations following the international sanctions, the opportunities surrounding trade with China, and the room of opportunity for women and entrepreneurship.

Chair: Karim Merchant

Panellists: Assem Mayar, Rayhana Karim, Terje Watterdal, William Byrd

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Influencing Change – Afghan Voices in the Digital Age

16:00 – 17:30

PRIO, Philosophers Hall

This panel will feature Nadima/Tesha De Waday, an Afghan influencer working on the ground to drive change. She will share her personal story, her commitment to storytelling with humour, and her vision for the future. The discussion will focus on how Afghans, especially women, are using digital platforms to shape narratives, address controversy, and ensure all voices—especially marginalized ones—are heard. Join us for a powerful conversation on how the digital age is transforming Afghanistan’s future.

With: Nadima Kakai (Tesha de Waday) and Samina Vabo Ansari

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Women’s Circle

18:00 – 19:30

PRIO, Philosophers Hall

For over forty years, war and conflict have inflicted deep wounds on the Afghan people. Internal strife has created countless victims across all segments of society, fuelling new conflicts, eroding trust, and deepening divides. Every Afghan family has suffered loss—of loved ones, homes, and hope. Generations have been forced to flee, whether within Afghanistan, to neighbouring countries, or to distant lands. Today, millions of individuals with Afghan roots are longing for positive change in their homeland.

The Taliban’s return to power has reopened old wounds and instilled fresh fears. Women and girls, in particular, have seen their opportunities for education and meaningful participation in society stripped away, facing systematic discrimination. The heart-wrenching situation in Afghanistan resonates deeply with anyone who cares about its people.

We are honoured to welcome Nadima Kakai, an influential social entrepreneur and advocate for women in Afghanistan. Nadima creates safe spaces for women to come together, share their fears and joys, and cultivate hope and resilience.

As part of Afghanistan Week 2024, Nadima will facilitate a women’s circle in Oslo on October 31st. We invite everyone who holds a special place for Afghanistan in their hearts—whether you are part of the diaspora or simply care deeply about the country—to join us. We know that many are doing all they can to support family members, girls and women during the most difficult of time.  Let’s come together to share our work, stories, and concerns, aiming to foster a sense of community in these challenging times.

This seminar will be in English, but there is room for sharing in other languages.

With: Nadima Kakai (Tesha de Waday)

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Friday November 1st

Silencing Afghan media, banning Freedom of Expression

08:30 – 09:30

PRIO, Philosophers Hall

Author and Journalist Khalid Qadery was imprisoned for one year by Taliban. Qadery now lives in exile, and will speak about his experiences as a journalist and a prison inmate.

With: Khalid Qadery and Elisabeth Eide

Organized by Norwegian PEN.

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Education in Afghanistan: Three Years After Taliban’s Return to Power

10:00 – 11:00

PRIO, Philosophers Hall

Three years have passed since the collapse of the republican government and the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. This political transition has profoundly impacted education, with students and teachers, especially girls, bearing the brunt of these changes. Over 1.4 million girls have been prohibited from accessing education; and for those with access to school, the content and quality of education have remained as the major issue. 

During this period, significantly disparate narratives and often contradictory views and attitudes have emerged in attempting to make sense of the situation and explain facets of change in education. However, few have focused on the lived experiences and perspectives of students and teachers within their explanation and analysis. This seminar aims to bring these overlooked perspectives to the forefront, exploring the lived experiences of Afghan school students and teachers. By examining the situation through the lens of those most directly affected, we hope to contribute to a more holistic understanding of the current state of education in Afghanistan. 

Chair: Terje Watterdal

Panellists: Mustafa Himmati, Madina Mahboobi, Sadiyah Ehsan Fjellrik

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Solidaritet med Afghanistan – dialog om dilemmaer og muligheter 

16:00 – 17:30

Litteraturhuset, Berner

Etter at Taliban igjen kom til makta, har mange afghanere som lever utenfor landet kjent på frustrasjon, sorg og maktesløshet. Det har vært stort engasjement for å vise motstand mot Taliban-regimet ved demonstrasjoner, aktivitet på sosiale medier og en rekke initiativ og samlinger for afghansk diaspora i Norge og internasjonalt. Mange er også engasjert i konkret solidaritetsarbeid for å avhjelpe humanitære behov, støtte til menneskerettighets-forkjempere og utdanning, særlig for jenter.    

Hva vil det si å vise solidaritet med Afghanistan idag? Til samtale om dilemmaer og muligheter inviterer vi norsk-afghanere som har engasjert seg på ulike måter, til å dele erfaringer og utveksle synspunkter. Samtalen blir i form av en scenedialog fasilitert av Nansen Fredssenter, etterfulgt av en åpen dialog der alle inviteres til å delta med sine erfaringer, spørsmål og perspektiver.    

Ledet av: Norunn Grande og Astrid Folkedal Kraidy

Deltakere: Samina Vabo Ansari, Nilofar Anwar

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Dialog i praksis: Hvordan snakker man med Taliban?

18:00 – 19:30

Litteraturhuset, Berner

Det var store protester da en delegasjon fra Taliban ble flydd til Norge i privatfly i januar 2022, invitert av norske myndigheter til dialog et halvt år etter at de hadde tatt tilbake makta i Afghanistan. Fortsatt er mange kritiske til å snakke med Taliban, mens andre mener det er helt nødvendig for å kunne jobbe i og for Afghanistan.  

• Hva betyr det egentlig å ha dialog med Taliban og hvordan foregår det i praksis?  

Etter hvert som Taliban-regimet strammer grepet og innfører stadig nye restriksjoner som begrenser folks frihet og tar fra kvinner grunnleggende rettigheter, er det fortsatt riktig å ha dialog med Taliban? Og hva kan oppnås gjennom dialog? 

Vi har med oss Ayesha Wolasmal og Terje Watterdal til å dele fra sine erfaringer i hva som ligger av utfordringer og muligheter i møte med Taliban.  

Terje Watterdal, er landdirektør for Afghanistankomiteen, stasjonert i Kabul i mer enn ti år. Dialog med Taliban på ulike nivå er del av hans daglige arbeid for å styrke helse, utdanning og naturforvaltning på landsbygda. Terje har lang internasjonal erfaring i arbeid for internasjonale organisasjoner med utviklingsarbeid og inkluderende utdanning. 

Ayesha Wolasmal, forfatter av boka Tusen dager med Taliban, jobber med kvinnehelse og vaksiner i Afghanistan og har reist inn og ut av landet de siste fem åra. Tidligere har hun jobbet for Norges militære styrker og ved den norske ambassaden i Kabul. Ayesha er født i Norge av afghanske foreldre, som tok henne med på sommerferie til deres hjemland Afghanistan gjennom hele oppveksten.   

Moderator: Norunn Grande

Deltakere: Ayesha Wolasmal, Terje Watterdal

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