Ambassador Mme Shukria Barakzai: Strategies for Peace and Good Governance in Afghanistan

Ambassador Mme Shukria Barakzai: The former Afghanistan Ambassador to Norway, addressed the audience and received an Ambassador for Peace Award on the 10th of January, 2024 during the 'Strategies for Peace and Good Governance in Afghanistan' conference.


The Afghan Peace Dialogue and Universal Peace Federation (UPF) were partners in the event discussing 'Strategies for Peace and Good Governance in Afghanistan' in the London UPF – UK HQ. The purpose was to examine the situation in Afghanistan following the overthrow of the government and the emergence of the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan. Following the agenda of the Afghan Peace Dialogue, the aim is to study the future of the country, establish international relations for the future government, to establish a legitimate and inclusive state in Afghanistan, and develop the necessary collaborations at the international level.

The Afghan Peace Dialogue (APD) and the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) have been forging a meaningful collaboration aimed at fostering dialogue and finding other strategies for peace and development among the diaspora groups constituting the key communities of Afghanistan. This collaborative effort recently unfolded at the UPF's UK headquarters in Lancaster Gate during a conference on January 10th. Mr Reza Jafari, the President of APD, who has partnered with UPF in prior conferences in Vienna and Paris, extended invitations to several UK-based Afghan representatives. The event commenced with a planning meeting, followed by a conference addressing the imperative for such collaborative endeavors and exploring potential modalities for effective cooperation.


Umberto Angeloucci, President of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) for the Middle East, shared a compelling account of his seven-year life in Afghanistan. His passionate narrative resonated with the audience, shedding light on the challenging experiences he and his wife encountered, that sadly were not uncommon for those in the audience.


H.E. Shukria Barakzai, former Afghanistan Ambassador to Norway, was honored as an Ambassador for Peace of UPF during the program. Her impactful speech, particularly focusing on the rights of women and the shifts observed over the 20 years of governance in cooperation with international forces, struck a chord with the audience as she reflected on the stark contrast following the recent transition of power to the Taliban government.


Key UPF Representatives: The event saw the participation of significant UPF figures, underlining the organization's dedication to the conference and future collaborative initiatives. David Fraser Harris, the UPF Middle East Secretary-General, served as the Master of Ceremonies, while Jacques Marion, Co-Chairman of UPF Europe and the Middle East, as well as Keith Best, UPF UK Chair of the Board of Trustees, reinforced the serious intent of the Universal Peace Federation in promoting peaceful dialogue between the communities that comprise Afghanistan.


Commitment to Dialogue: Dr. Michale Balcomb, President of FFWPU Europe and the Middle East, and Dr. Rahela Kaveer, President of the World Hazara Council, further symbolized the commitment to Afghanistan's future. Despite recent health challenges, Reza Jafari's attendance, along with Dr. Kaveer flying from the USA, highlighted the collective commitment to the crucial work of fostering dialogue among the diaspora communities.


Interactive Session: The conference included an engaging panel discussion, where key figures responded to questions from both the audience and the attending media, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives.


The Lancaster Gate conference served as a pivotal moment in advancing collaborative dialogue for Afghan peace, bringing together diverse voices, experiences, and commitments in a shared effort to contribute positively to the nation's future.





The programme ran as follows.


Moderator: Mr. David Fraser Harris, Secretary General UPF Middle East


Welcome Message: Mr. Robin Marsh, Secretary General UPF – UK


Greetings by Dr. Michael Balcomb: President of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification – Europe and the Middle East


Introduction of Mr. Reza Jafari by Mr. Patrick Jouan


Mr. Reza Jafari: President of the Afghanistan Peace Dialogue Movement


Dr. Rahela Kaveer: President of Afghan Hazaraa


Ambassador Mme Shukria Barakzai who received an Ambassador for Peace Award


Mr. Jacques Marion: Co-Chair of UPF EUME


‘Introduction to Universal Peace Federation’


Mr. Umberto Angelucci: Chair of UPF Middle East


Mr. Keith Best TD MA: Chair of UPF UK, Former MP


Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=872kw...





Panel Discussion:


Ms. Farzana Adell, (Masters student), Reza Jafari; Dr. Rahela Kaveer, Jacques Marion and Ambassador Mme Shukria Barakzai


Questions from the floor – in-person and online


Concluding Remarks: Mr. Reza Jafari