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Afghan National Dialogue

Press Release: Afghan National Dialogue Gathering in Walsallخبرنامه: گردهمایی گفتمان ملی افغان‌ها در والسالمطبوعاتي اعلامیه: د افغان ملي مرکې غونډه په والسال کې

Date: 2025-09-28Location: Walsall, UK

About the event

On Sunday 28 September 2025, nearly 100 representatives of the Afghan diaspora, together with friends and community supporters, gathered at the hall of the Afghan Community and Welfare Centre in Walsall for a major meeting of the Afghan National Dialogue — part of a global consultative process aimed at building an inclusive, Afghan-led path to peace, unity and progress in Afghanistan.

The meeting opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran; Haji Mumtaz Satarzai stressed in his opening remarks the importance of strengthening trust, unity and a shared vision among Afghans at home and abroad, Mr. Fahim Zazai, head of the Centre, welcomed participants and presented its community services, Mr. Hanif Alkozai outlined the day's agenda and the aims of the National Dialogue, and Dr. Zarif explained the objectives, structure and expectations of the process, emphasising that it must be transparent, inclusive and grounded in Afghans' real experiences.

In the main part of the meeting, a series of in-depth discussions facilitated by Dr. Farhad Jalal, Dr. Jora, Dr. Safi and Ms. Wahidi focused on the challenges of national unity, peace and sustainable development, as well as the role and capacities of the Afghan diaspora, with participants insisting that the process must be people-centred rather than elite-driven and that the voices of women, youth and marginalised groups must be heard.

Subsequent sessions addressed the experiences and challenges of the diaspora, including fragmentation, eroded trust in past political processes and the need for deeper cooperation, with participants noting that with solidarity and coordination, Afghan capacities and resources can play a real role in rebuilding Afghanistan.

In the final part, the discussions turned to practical action — bridging communication gaps, coordinating local and global efforts and sustaining the process — with key proposals including local working groups, improved communication channels and neutral venues for continued dialogue; participants jointly endorsed the creation of a Walsall local committee so that the dialogue continues and the voice of Walsall's Afghans is reflected at the national level, and the gathering ended in a spirit of hope and commitment.

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Press Release: Afghan National Dialogue Gathering in Walsall
Press Release: Afghan National Dialogue Gathering in Walsall
Press Release: Afghan National Dialogue Gathering in Walsall
Press Release: Afghan National Dialogue Gathering in Walsall