Afghanistan Week 2026
Beyond the Stalemate – Exploring Options
Five years after the Taliban’s return to power, Afghanistan is governed through an increasingly consolidated system of totalitarian control under the Islamic Emirate. While there is heightened tension with Pakistan, and no signs of further international recognition, most other regional actors are engaging pragmatically with the Taliban. Amongst Western governments the overall trends are towards increasing de-facto normalisation, driven in parts by migration control. Whereas some call for a more principled approach, others suggest that isolation has done little to change the Taliban’s policies on education and other fundamental human rights. Humanitarian needs remain immense – exacerbated by natural disasters and the impact of climate change. And, at the same time as international funding is shrinking, millions of Afghans forcibly returned from neighbouring countries, placing additional pressure on already strained communities and public services.
Against this backdrop, a young generation – that constitute a majority of the Afghan population – faces unprecedented restrictions, limited opportunities, and increasing uncertainty about the future. Together, these developments do not only raise fundamental questions about Afghanistan’s trajectory, but also the effectiveness and sustainability of current approaches to development and in securing an increased respect for humanitarian dignity and rights.
Afghanistan is approaching a turning point, one that demands fresh analysis, honest reflections, and renewed discussions and dialogue.
At the heart of Afghanistan Week 2026 lies a simple but urgent question: If current approaches are not delivering the desired outcomes, what should we do differently?
The programme will address a range of critical issues, including:
- Engagement with key powerholders.
- Internal dynamics of the Islamic Emirate.
- Afghan women’s rights to participation and decision making.
- Youth as agents of change in a country where young people constitute a majority of the population.
- The impact of climate change.
- Regional geopolitics and China’s involvement and influence in Afghanistan.
- Human rights advocacy and international accountability processes.
- The higher education crisis.
- The role of remittances from the diaspora.
By bringing together different perspectives and encouraging open and critical discussion, the Afghanistan Week seeks not only to understand the current situation but also to contribute to a more informed and forward-looking conversation around Afghanistan’s future.
- About Afghanistan Week
- Organisers
- Contributing partners
- Funding
- Practical information
- Contact
- Seminars
- Participants
- FAQ
About Afghanistan Week
Afghanistan Week was first initiated in 2014, and is a bi-annual event where politicians, journalists, academics, and activists from Afghanistan, Norway, and beyond come together to address key issues facing the country. It aims to provide a safe space to share knowledge, experiences, hopes, and concerns. Debate, active listening, and asking questions are at the core of the concept. Most importantly, it aims to constitute a platform for voices from inside Afghanistan to be heard.
From the start in 2014 Afghanistan Week has been arranged jointly by the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC), the Peace Research Institute in Oslo (PRIO), the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) and the Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue.
The 2024 Afghanistan Week took stock of the last three years, examining the evolution of Taliban rule, the international engagement with the regime, and the adaptation of Afghans to the new state of affairs: Consolidation or Muddling Through? What is the status of the Taliban’s ruling apparatus, what internal divisions exist, and how are those being managed? What are the costs and benefits of the various strategies of engagement or non engagement? What is driving the variety of positions taken by different actors, and what are the lessons learnt? What do strategies for change and survival look like inside the country?
Read the 2024 conference report here:
ReportAfghanistan Week 2026 will consist of at least 10 events during 26th-29th October.
Afghanistan Week hosts and organisers
Nowegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC)
Founded in 1980, NAC is a members-based solidarity organisation with activities in Norway and Afghanistan and an elected Board and Secretariat based in Norway. The purpose of the organisation is to work together with the Afghan people to contribute to the development of a peaceful Afghanistan where communities overcome poverty and aid dependency and where people live in an inclusive and equitable society; promote knowledge about Afghanistan in Norway; and promote friendship between the Norwegian and Afghan people.
Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI)
CMI is an independent development research institute in Norway. With a staff of 100 people, they address issues that shape global developments and generate knowledge that can be used to fight poverty, advance human rights, and promote sustainable social development. Read more here.
Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue
Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue promotes peace, human rights, dialogue and reconciliation through trainings and workshops, presentations, and documentation. Their approach, methodologies and networks have been developed through practical dialogue and peace work in Norway and internationally. Read more here.
Afghanistan Week planning committee
The Afghanistan Week planning committee has the overall responsibility for the coherence of the program and its academic/professional content. The Afghanistan Week planning committee consist of:
Arne Strand has a PhD in Post-war Recovery Studies through which he studied coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies. His research focuses on aid coordination, forced migration and reintegration, peace building and security sector reform and humanitarian and development assistance. Strand has been team leader of several evaluations and research programmes in and on Afghanistan. He has extensive management experience from NGOs and research institutes, and has also been involved in developing management and professional capacities of Afghan NGOs and peacebuilding organisations.
Liv Kjølseth is a Political Scientist, with a postgraduate degree from the University of Oslo, with a specialisation in International Relations. For the last decade she has held the position of Secretary General of the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC). Prior to joining NAC, she was Information and Advocacy Adviser for the Norwegian Council for the Rights of the Kurdish People. She has previously worked for the Norwegian Directorate for Immigration (UDI).
Norunn Grande is a special advisor at the Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue (NCPD), developing and providing training courses in conflict transformation and dialogue facilitation. She is a political scientist, a mediator for the Norwegian Mediation and Reconciliation Service and a deputy member of the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee’s (NAC) board.
Torunn Wimpelmann is a Senior Researcher at Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) where she is currently the Co-director of the research project New Afghan Men, which explores the changing notions of marriage and masculinity in Afghanistan. She is the author of, The Pitfalls of Protection: Gender, Violence and Power in Afghanistan (University of California Press, 2017).
Contributing partners
From the start in 2014 Afghanistan Week has been arranged jointly by the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC), the Peace Research Institute in Oslo (PRIO), the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI), and the Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue.
Depending on the main topics for the week, organisations, institutions, and relevant actors are invited to co-share events.
The contributing partners for the 2026 Afghanistan Week is:
CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation
CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation is an independent non-profit Finnish organisation that works to prevent and resolve conflicts through dialogue and mediation. Founded by Nobel Peace Laureate and former President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari in 2000, we have since grown to be a leader in the field of international peacemaking. Read more here.
The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad)
Norad is an administrative and specialist body for development cooperation and supports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Climate and the Environment in achieving the goals of Norwegian development policy and promoting sustainable development. The UN’s sustainability goals, climate goals and human rights form the basis of Norad’s work. Norad is based in Oslo and has around 320 employees. Read more here.
The Norwegian Human Rights Fund (NHRF)
The Norwegian Human Rights Fund (NHRF) works to protect and promote human rights internationally through direct support to organisations working in the first line of defence for human rights. The NHRF aims to be a flexible, courageous and global actor that provides direct support to local organisations working for the rights of vulnerable and marginalised individuals and groups. Read more here.
Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (Nupi)
The Norwegian Institute of International Affairs has about 100 employees, including part-time positions and guest researchers. The institute is organised in five research groups that reflect our thematic core competences, and in addition the Administration department and the Communications department. Read more here.
Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
Founded in 1959, the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) is an independent research institution known for its effective synergy of basic and policy-relevant research. In addition to such research, PRIO conducts graduate training and is engaged in the promotion of peace through conflict resolution, dialogue and reconciliation, public information and policymaking activities. The Institute’s working language is English. Read more here.
The Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH)
SAIH is a solidarity organization, by and for students and academics. We have worked for over 60 years to promote higher education and academic freedom as a human right. Read more here.
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
SIPRI is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources. Read more here.
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI)
RWI is an independent academic institution established at Lund University in Sweden in 1984. They combine multi-disciplinary human rights research with education, support, and outreach to contribute to a wider understanding of, and respect for, human rights and international humanitarian law. Read more here.
Practical information
Travel
Flight
The nearest airport is Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL), located just over 40 km north of Oslo. From here, trains run directly to Oslo S (Oslo Central Station):
- Airport Express Train – approx. 20 minutes, departures every 10–20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at a vending machine, in the app, or on board.
- Vy regional train (line R11/R10) – approx. 25 minutes, cheaper than the Airport Express Train. Tickets can be purchased in the Vy app or at a vending machine before boarding.
Some airlines fly to Sandefjord Airport Torp, which is about 1 hr 45 min south of Oslo by train and bus. Check which airport your ticket is for.
Getting around Oslo
All the events are within walking distance of Oslo S, or just a few minutes away by metro, tram, or bus. If you’re using public transport, you can buy tickets in the Ruter app.
Venues / Event Locations
Where is it happening?
Afghanistanuka 2026 will be held at several venues in central Oslo. All the venues are centrally located and within short walking distance of each other.
| Venue | Address | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Dunant Hall | Hausmanns gate 5, Oslo | Open in Google Maps |
| Kulturhuset | Youngs gate 6, Oslo | Open in Google Maps |
| Nupi | Rosenkrantz’ gate 22, Oslo | Open in Google Maps |
| Norad | Bygdøy allé 2, Oslo | Open in Google Maps |
The full program with time and location for each individual event will be published well in advance of the start of Afghanistanuka.
Accommodation
We don’t have a dedicated hotel agreement, but here are some options that are centrally located and close to the event venues.
- Thon Hotel Europa – St. Olavs Gate 31, right by Slottsparken (the Palace Park).
- Comfort Xpress Central Station – simple and affordable standard.
- Scandic Karl Johan – in the heart of downtown, a short walk to all event venues.
Prices in Oslo vary a lot throughout the year, so we recommend booking early.
Contact
Afghanistan Week event manager and contact focal point
Erika Amlie Amundsen
erika.amundsen@nacaf.org
+47 909 14 069
Media contact
Nasrin Naimy
nasrin.naimy@nacaf.org
+47 484 68 313
Stay updated
We’ll be sending out practical information about the program, registration, and events ahead of Afghanistanuka 2026. Leave your email address and we’ll keep you informed.
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Seminar overview
26 October
Climate, Peace and Security
11:30-1:00 PM
Contributing partner: Nowegian Institute of International Affairs (Nupi)
Place: Nupi, Rosenkrantz’ gate 22 Oslo
More information coming soon.
27 October
Afghanistan Today
8:30-9:30 AM
Place: Henry Dunant Hall, Hausmanns gate 5, Oslo
Light breakfast served from 8:00 AM. More information coming soon.
Regional geopolitics and China’s involvement and influence in Afghanistan
10:00-11:00 AM
Contributing partner: Chr. Michelsens Institutt (CMI), Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
Place: PRIO, Philosophers Hall, Hausmanns gate 3, 0186 Oslo
More information coming soon.
Opening event
6:00-7:30 PM
Place: Henry Dunant Hall, Hausmanns gate 5, Oslo
More information coming soon.
28 October
Youth, Peace and Security
8:30-9:30 AM
Contributing partner: CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation
Place: Kulturhuset, Youngs gate 6, Oslo
Light breakfast served from 8:00 AM. More information coming soon.
Human rights
10:00-11:00 AM
Contributing partner: Norwegian Human Rights Fund (NHRF), Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI)
Place: Kulturhuset, Youngs gate 6, Oslo
More information coming soon.
Dialogue
4:00-5:30 PM
Contributing partner: Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue
Place: Kulturhuset, Youngs gate 6, Oslo
More information coming soon.
29 October
Women, Peace and Security
8:30-9:30 AM
Contributing partner: The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad)
Place: Norad, Bygdøy allé 2, Oslo
Light breakfast served from 8:00 AM. More information coming soon.
Survival of higher educaton
2:00-3:00 PM
Contributing partner: The Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH)
Place: More information coming soon
More information coming soon.
As panellists for the various seminars are confirmed, their bios will be added to this page.
Arne Strand has a PhD in Post-war Recovery Studies where he studied coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies. His research focuses on aid coordination, forced migration and reintegration, peace-building and security sector reform and humanitarian and development assistance. Strand has been team leader of several evaluations and research programmes in and on Afghanistan. He has extensive management experience from NGOs and research institutes, and has also been involved in developing management and professional capacities of Afghan NGOs and peacebuilding organisations.
Torunn Wimpelmann is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) where she is currently researching the relationships between law, religion and Afghan gender politics and activism. She is the author of, The Pitfalls of Protection: Gender, Violence and Power in Afghanistan (University of California Press, 2017). Between 2014 and 2016 she served as an member of the government-appointed Commission of Inquiry into Norway’s engagement in Afghanistan. She is currently a member of the expert group to the inquiry on Denmarks engagement in Afghanistan.
Norunn Grande is a political scientist and special advisor at the Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue (NCPD). She develops training courses and materials, including handbooks and reports, facilitates dialogue, holds lectures and provides training in Norway and internationally. Norunn Grande has for many years provided trainings and professional support in dialogue and conflict transformation in Afghanistan. She has also worked with diaspora communities in Norway. Norunn Grande is a deputy member of the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee’s (NAC) board.
Liv Kjølseth is a political scientist, with a postgraduate degree from the University of Oslo, with a specialisation in International Relations. For the past 20 years, she has held the position of Secretary General of the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC). Prior to joining NAC, she was Information and Advocacy Adviser for the Norwegian Council for the Rights of the Kurdish People. She has previously worked for the Norwegian Directorate for Immigration (UDI).
Terje Magnussønn Watterdal is an economist, and an education and disability rights activist. He is currently based in Kabul as the Country Director for the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC). He has previously worked as education advisor for governments in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and senior expert for different UN agencies in Afghanistan and elsewhere in Asia. He holds postgraduate degrees from University of Mannheim, Germany and University of St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Kaja Borchgrevink is a Senior Researcher at PRIO and she takes an interest in religion and development, the politics of aid, and everyday religion among Muslims in Norway – often with a focus on gender and transnational perspectives. Borchgrevink has a background from Development Studies and practical development work in South Asia, and she has studied religious education in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the transnational connections between religious seminaries (madrasas) in the two countries. Earlier research also includes studies of the relationship between civil society and peace building in Afghanistan with a focus on religious groups and networks.
Aziz Hazara lives and works in Berlin. Hazara is an interdisciplinary artist working across various mediums, including photography, video, sound, and multimedia installations. His work explores themes of surveillance, material culture, and supply chains within the context of power relations, geopolitics, and the panopticon. His work has been featured in numerous group exhibitions, including To Carry at the 16th Sharjah Biennial, Sharjah, UAE (2025); the 18th Biennale de l’Image en Mouvement: A Cosmic Movie Camera at the Centre d’Art Contemporain, Geneva (2024); Is It Morning for You Yet? at the 58th Carnegie International, Pittsburgh (2022); Penumbra, Venice (2022); the Busan Biennale (2020); and NIRIN at the 22nd Biennale of Sydney (2020). His works are held in the public collections of institutions such as Tate Modern, London; SMAK, Ghent; Guggenheim Abu Dhabi; KNMA, New Delhi; the Sharjah Art Foundation; and the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh.
Amanullah Mojadidi is a conceptual artist, writer, and researcher. He has exhibited internationally including at the LindenMuseum-Stuttgart, Imperial War Museum-London, Times Square-NYC, 3rd Dhaka Art Summit, 12th Havana Biennale, 3rd Asia Triennial Manchester, 1st Kochi/Muziris Biennale, and dOCUMENTA (13). His publications include The Exhibition in The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Art in Global Asia (2023), The Art of Conflict Chic: Imagined Geographies & the Search for a Post-Orientalist Identity in Conflict & Compassion: A Paradox of Difference in Contemporary Asian Art (2016), Home and What Can One Say About Living in Kabul? in One Story, Thirty Stories: An Anthology of Contemporary Afghan-American Literature (2010), and Humanitarians with Guns: Globalized Rights, Cultural Space, & Militarized Aid in Afghanistan in Challenges and Paths to Global Justice (2007). In 2012, he was selected as a TED Fellow for the subversively critical nature of his artistic practice while living in Kabul and is currently pursuing a PhD in Anthropology exploring how Afghan contemporary artistic practice is inextricably tied to experiences with invasion, occupation, and NGOisation.
Do you cover travel or accommodation costs for participants?
We only cover costs for speakers/panelists taking part in the panels. If you are attending as a general participant and are not part of a panel, you will need to cover your own travel and accommodation costs.
Can I/my organisation participate in a panel?
We reach out directly to those who are relevant for our panels.
