Dear Madam/Sir,

We kindly invite you for a meeting on the future of Afghanistan and a book presentation of the

‘Biography of Ehsan Turabaz’ by Ms. Marloes Borsboom-Turabaz. The book will be presented to Ms.

Sharon Dijksma, Mayor of the City of Utrecht.

Date: 17 November 2023

Time: 14.00 – 17.00 hours

Location: Paushuize, Kromme Nieuwekracht 49, Utrecht

Agenda

14.00 hrs. Welcome, Shafiqie Rahamanzai, Afghanistan Human Capital Foundation

14.10 hrs. Afghanistan today, Marloes Borsboom, Friends of Afghanistan Foundation

14.30 hrs. Discussion on ‘working towards a new perspective for Afghanistan’,

Frans Werter, moderator

15.45 hrs. Tea break

16.00 hrs. Book presentation to Ms. Sharon Dijksma, Mayor of Utrecht

16.15 hrs. The way forward: main conclusions of the discussion, Frans Werter, moderator

16.30 hrs. Closure and informal get-together

The situation in Afghanistan is not figuring in the headlines of the newspapers these days. However,

the plight of the Afghan people is becoming more severe with each passing day. The Taliban

government is not able or not willing to provide basic social services to its citizens, such as health and

education for all. The economy is hardly functioning and households are struggling to make ends

meet, if they are able to survive at all. Natural disasters such as drought and earthquakes add up to a

seemingly hopeless future. The international, geo-political situation is also discouraging. Pakistan is

sending hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan where an uncertain, insecure

future is waiting them. At global level the international community is not willing to recognize the

Taliban government because of its poor human rights records, especially regarding their treatment of

women. Yet, the Taliban government is there to stay for at least the coming years.

The world cannot turn its back on the Afghan people. The international community has to admit its

own role and responsibility in the present situation, and find ways to support the Afghans in their

struggle for immediate survival and for long term development. Afghans in the diaspora and in

Afghanistan are looking for ways to develop a hopeful perspective for their country. A perspective to

be developed by and for Afghans, owned by Afghans with support from but not dependent on

international actors. The Afghan initiators are looking for space in the present condition of the

country to start home-grown, small interventions leading to positive change.

In this meeting we explore the opportunity to lay a firm, organizational foundation for potential

linkages between Afghans in the diaspora and international, notably Dutch, committed professionals

and organizations. We also discuss the conditions and process for the development of a locally

owned, new perspective on Afghanistan, and the role of local government.

We hope to see you in Utrecht.

Kind regards,

Shafiqie Rahamanzai, Afghanistan Human Capital Foundation

Marloes Borsboom-Turabaz, Friends of Afghanistan Foundation

Frans Werter, Buro de Steeg

RSVP:

Shafiqie Rahamanzai

Trans 7

3512 JJ Utrecht

Tel: +31626603921

Email: info@ahcf.nl