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Afghan National Dialogue

National Dialogue (Mili Maraka) Meeting Successfully Held in Londonنشست گفتمان ملی « ملی مرکه» در لندن با موفقیت برگزار شدد ملي مرکې د لندن غونډه په بریالیتوب ترسره شوه

Date: 2026-07-14Location: London, UK

About the event

The Afghan National Dialogue London Meeting Was Successfully Held

Victoria Hall, London | 14 July 2026

The London meeting of the Afghanistan National Dialogue was successfully held on 14 July 2026 at Victoria Hall in London. Approximately one hundred Afghans from diverse academic, professional, social, and cultural backgrounds attended the event.

The meeting was part of a series of international consultations aimed at gathering the views, recommendations, and perspectives of Afghans living around the world in order to develop a shared national vision and practical roadmap for Afghanistan’s future.

The event began at 6:30 p.m. with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Mr. Niazi, followed by the playing of the Afghan national anthem.

The meeting was moderated by Dr. Sami Joura and Mr. Rahimi.

Dr. Joura welcomed participants and emphasized that the purpose of the National Dialogue is not merely to deliver speeches, but to encourage meaningful discussion, listen to differing viewpoints, and work together to identify practical solutions for Afghanistan’s current challenges and future.

Objectives of the National Dialogue and the Way Forward

Mr. Alokozai then presented a brief overview of the National Dialogue process. He explained that 14 meetings have so far been held in different countries around the world, including four in the United Kingdom and the remainder in other countries.

He noted that the purpose of these meetings is to gather the views of Afghans from all backgrounds and prepare public recommendations for the future Grand National Jirga. He also announced that participants at the London meeting would elect their representatives to represent the Afghan community in London at the upcoming National Jirga.

Dr. Sharif Zarif then delivered a comprehensive presentation on the National Dialogue’s principles, objectives, and future plans.

He stressed that the dialogue is founded on the principles of transparency, honesty, integrity, and mutual respect. According to Dr. Zarif, all contributions made by participants are recorded faithfully, preserved confidentially, and incorporated into future reports and publications.

He further emphasized that the aim of the National Dialogue is not to force everyone into agreement, but rather to create an environment where people can listen to one another, tolerate differences of opinion, and engage in constructive discussions about Afghanistan’s shared future.

Panel Discussion

A panel discussion followed as scheduled, featuring:

Mr. Saeedi

Ms. Rahila Siddiqi

Ms. Fahima Zahir

Mr. Mohseni

Dr. Khosrow Sangarwal

The panel discussed a range of pressing national issues facing Afghanistan.

The main topics included:

The current situation of Afghan women and their fundamental rights.

The right of girls and young people to education.

The challenges facing Afghan refugees in different countries.

Recent violations of Afghanistan’s airspace, concerns regarding the Durand Line, and reported military attacks by Pakistan.

Ways to safeguard Afghanistan’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Panel members emphasized that Afghanistan’s future depends not simply on identifying problems, but on developing practical, sustainable, and nationally supported solutions.

Broad Participation and Open Discussion

Following the panel, participants actively engaged in an open discussion.

The conversation extended well beyond the panel topics and covered a wide range of national and social issues affecting Afghanistan and Afghans worldwide.

Among the issues discussed were:

Women’s rights and their role in society.

Education and scientific development.

The situation and future of Afghan refugees.

The role of the Afghan diaspora around the world.

Mental health and the social consequences of decades of conflict.

National unity and the inclusion of all ethnic groups, languages, and political and intellectual perspectives.

Violence in Afghanistan, civilian casualties, and the humanitarian situation.

Protection of Afghanistan’s sovereignty, borders, and airspace.

Economic development, poverty reduction, and employment opportunities.

Youth leadership and participation.

Good governance, accountability, and the rule of law.

Healthcare, public services, and social development.

Afghanistan’s international relations and engagement with the international community.

One of the meeting’s notable features was that participants not only highlighted existing challenges but also proposed numerous practical and constructive recommendations for addressing them.

These proposals included strengthening national reconciliation, ensuring inclusive participation by all Afghans, expanding access to education, investing in human capital, supporting Afghan refugees, utilizing the academic and professional expertise of the Afghan diaspora, strengthening international advocacy for Afghanistan’s national interests, and developing practical strategies for the country’s reconstruction.

In accordance with the principles of the National Dialogue, all views and recommendations presented during the meeting were formally recorded and are expected to form part of the discussions and deliberations of the forthcoming Grand National Jirga.

Election of London’s Representatives

In the final session, participants elected a six-member delegation to represent the Afghan community in London at the upcoming Grand National Jirga. The delegation will present the views and recommendations generated during the London meeting.

Closing of the Meeting

The meeting concluded at 9:00 p.m. Following the formal program, participants continued informal discussions and networking over tea and light refreshments.

The London National Dialogue meeting once again demonstrated that, despite holding diverse political and ideological views, Afghans share a strong commitment to dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaborative efforts in pursuit of peace, national unity, justice, development, and prosperity for Afghanistan.

It is expected that the outcomes of National Dialogue meetings held in other countries will also be consolidated through the forthcoming Grand National Jirga, bringing together the collective voice, aspirations, and recommendations of Afghans worldwide into a comprehensive national framework for Afghanistan’s future.

Photos

National Dialogue (Mili Maraka) Meeting Successfully Held in London
National Dialogue (Mili Maraka) Meeting Successfully Held in London
National Dialogue (Mili Maraka) Meeting Successfully Held in London
National Dialogue (Mili Maraka) Meeting Successfully Held in London
National Dialogue (Mili Maraka) Meeting Successfully Held in London
National Dialogue (Mili Maraka) Meeting Successfully Held in London
National Dialogue (Mili Maraka) Meeting Successfully Held in London