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Some 60 young people from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asia, Europe, Canada and the United States met at Istanbul’s Kadir Has University from 18 to 22 October 2010 to discuss security challenges in Afghanistan. The fifth annual NATO-Afghan Students Forum gave the participants a unique opportunity to interact with their peers, experts on Afghanistan, as well as representatives from NATO and countries assisting NATO’s efforts in Afghanistan.
They made group presentations and discussed a range of issues, including civil-military cooperation, women in peace and security, as well as different countries’ perceptions of the situation in Afghanistan and NATO’s role there. The young people walked away from the event with a positive impression, having made new friends, and having had their voices heard on issues deeply important to them.
“That was a really tremendous experience for me and an unforgettable event”, said Walid from Afghanistan.
Natalia from Russia said that the experience for her was “priceless”.
“I have returned … with a suitcase full of new impressions, heartfelt memories and hope for our Afghan friends,” said Stefanie from Germany. “I would like to see the NATO Afghan Students Forum take place in Kabul one day.”
Debating women and security
To mark the 10th Anniversary of UN resolution 1325, Antonella Cerasino, Head of the NATO Countries Section, Public Diplomacy Division, discussed with the students the role of women in peace and security, conflict prevention and reconstruction.
The session was broadly welcomed by participants, although it stirred some heated debates. Western students raised sensitivities on women rights and conditioned their support to a substantial improvement in this area, while Afghan students explained some of the gaps by a difference of culture and traditions. Participants agreed, however, that women are entitled to equal rights and should be empowered to take part in political, social and economic life.
Opening minds about Afghanistan
On this occasion, Afghan students presented different facets of their country’s culture, history, traditions and art. They also voiced concerns about negative media coverage depicting Afghanistan through the prism of terrorism, war and drugs.
To mark the Forum’s fifth anniversary, Afghanistan’s first rock band, Kabul Dreams, gave an unforgettable concert.
The Forum was organized by NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division with the support of Kadir Has University, the Turkish Euro-Atlantic Youth Association (YATA-TURK), the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the US Mission to NATO and the US Embassy in Ankara. The Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) also contributed with an exhibit on Turkey’s efforts in Afghanistan.
Participants were selected on the basis of an essay and letter of motivation.
Brussels, Pisa, Bayonne and Berlin hosted previous NATO-Afghan student forums.