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Dialogue of Afghanistan Civil Society and Contemporary Political Forces

afghanistan civil and democratic forces network

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The momentum generated during this conference led to a subsequent gathering in Antalya, where over 80 participants from diverse backgrounds actively contributed to the objectives of these conferences, primarily aimed at nurturing a robust network among civil society leaders, professionals, and advocates of democracy within the diaspora.

Representatives of 30 different CSOs gathered in Geneva and approved the establishment of the Framework for CSOs network including a Leadership Board and a Secretariat.

Open Discussion – Civil and Democratic Forces in Exile, Cambridge 2025

Open Discussion – Civil and Democratic Forces in Exile, Cambridge 2025

This conference, held on Saturday 20 September 2025 at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, will focus on practical steps toward positive change in Afghanistan.

Eid Mubarak

Eid Mubarak

On behalf of all members of the Afghan Civil & Democratic Forces Network (ACDFN), we extend our warmest wishes to our fellow Afghans across the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. Eid-ul-Adha reminds us of the values of sacrifice, devotion, and commitment to human dignity and collective good.

Antalya Summit & Afghanistan’s Transition by Ahmad Tamim Azimi

Antalya Summit & Afghanistan’s Transition by Ahmad Tamim Azimi

The summit aimed to strengthen civil society organizations and independent media to rebuild Afghanistan and presented practical proposals.

Read the full article on 8am.media →
Nabila Musleh: UN’s Mosaic Plan Fails; Must Be Challenged

Nabila Musleh: UN’s Mosaic Plan Fails; Must Be Challenged

Nabila Musleh, former financial and administrative deputy of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, said the UN’s Mosaic plan is incompatible with Afghanistan’s realities and serves Taliban interests.

Read more on Deeyar.tv →
Dr. Andisha Nasir's Opening Remarks

Dr. Andisha Nasir's Opening Remarks

Dr. Andisha Nasir in opening remarks presented an image of the current state of affairs for civil and democratic forces, highlighting the multiple challenges and the opportunities for these actors to gather, form, and shape the narrative around restoration of popular legitimacy in Afghanistan.

Taliban’s demands in the Mosaic plan are clear, but from the UN they are ambiguous

Taliban’s demands in the Mosaic plan are clear, but from the UN they are ambiguous

Former Afghan Economy Minister Mustafa Mastoor explained that while the Taliban’s demands in the Mosaic plan are explicit, the UN’s requests remain vague.

Read full article on 8am.media →
Criticism of UN’s Mosaic Plan Transparency

Criticism of UN’s Mosaic Plan Transparency

The United Nations has not broadly shared the Mosaic plan with Afghan civil society and activists. Some UN representatives believe many of the exiled Afghan actors are not significant enough to be involved in Afghanistan-related discussions.

Dr. Aliye Yilmaz's Remarks

Dr. Aliye Yilmaz's Remarks

Dr. Aliye Yilmaz welcomed the participants and in her remarks asserted that the conference today will present an opportunity for open dialogue.

Our Mandate

Our Mandate
Our Mission

Our Mission

Our mission is to achieve sustainable peace and the re-establishment of the rule of law, civic values, and human rights in Afghanistan. The Forum operates based on inclusivity, transparency, accountability, and respect for diversity. It upholds the values of human rights, social justice, and equality among all citizens of Afghanistan.

2025 Action Plan

A structured roadmap to strengthen Afghanistan's civil society through advocacy, dialogue, and global collaboration.

Strategy & Antalya Prep

Strategy & Antalya Prep

  • Develop Antalya conference agenda
  • Engage stakeholders & invite speakers
  • Create inclusive dialogue protocols
Platform Coordination

Platform Coordination

  • Align with Vienna, Istanbul, and Women Forum
  • Create communication channels
  • Harmonize initiatives to avoid duplication
Regional Advocacy

Regional Advocacy

  • Host regional campaigns & events
  • Build coalitions across Europe
  • Engage media & policy influencers
Global Engagement

Global Engagement

  • Participate in UN forums & side-events
  • Advocate for human & women’s rights
  • Build member capacity through training

Civil Society Panel & Networking at Antalya Conference 2025

The Afghanistan Civil and Democratic Forces Network (ACDFN) is committed to working individually and collectively on implementing the conference's recommendations — including organizing dialogues, facilitating interactions among participants, and providing secretarial and convening support to the network and expert groups to feed into a national dialogue on the future of Afghanistan.

Antalya Conference 2023

During the 2023 Antalya Conference, a consensus emerged on the crucial role of civil society in Afghanistan's future. It emphasized broadening networks and scheduling future CSO meetings as part of continuous engagement.

Recommendations

  • Strengthen cohesion among democratic forces to enhance visibility and impact.
  • Involve representatives of the rural population in discussions and dialogues.
  • Articulate clear and actionable plans.
  • Strive for assuring sustainability, shifting to Afghan leadership and from projects to volunteerism.
  • Create and strengthen networks and platforms of collaboration and joint work.
  • ACDFN continues holding dialogue conferences, engaging the contemporary civil and democratic forces.

The Afghanistan Civil and Democratic Forces Network, formed through national dialogue conferences, was introduced as a collaborative platform. Participants shared ideas for development, aiming for ongoing cooperation and practical action. Membership is open to all civil society organizations.

Network Participants

Governance Structure

The General Assembly

The General Assembly will be the highest decision-making body of the Forum at which members of the leadership are elected for a one-year term. The Forum will bring together individuals and representatives of civil society organisations from both inside and outside Afghanistan. It will be a leading civil society event that provides networking and experience-sharing opportunities. The meeting will be a platform to discuss challenges, ideas, and partnerships. It also approves the Forum's by-laws, resolutions, and statutes.

The Leadership Council

The Leadership Council is the representative body of the Forum with a mandate from civil society inside and outside Afghanistan. It consists of members elected by the Forum's General Assembly for a one-year term and meets four times per year. It guides the Forum's strategy and activities. Meeting minutes are public and recorded by the Secretariat. Council members act voluntarily.

The first General Assembly was held in Geneva, organized by the Centre for Dialogue and Progress, where the first leadership council and Secretariat were appointed.

Advisory Board

The advisory board will include prominent leaders from government, international civil society, academia, and the private sector. They will offer strategic guidance to the leadership council to steer the Forum toward its goals.

Secretariat

The Secretariat is an executive body reporting to the Leadership Council. It supports the Forum's activities, ensures coordination, and improves visibility and international partnerships. It acts as the hub of communication and strategy within the Forum. It works closely with governments and international organizations.

There will also be Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) organized around priorities defined by the General Assembly and the Leadership Council.

Governance Diagram
Network Community

Member Organizations

VIEW DIRECTORY
Belgium

Network of Afghan Diaspora Organisations in Europe (NADOE)

A Brussels-based, refugee-led organisation focused on empowering Afghan diaspora communities—especially in Belgium—by strengthening social, economic, and civic participation. It also serves as a Europe-wide hub connecting Afghan diaspora and civil society organisations, supporting cooperation, cultural and language preservation, and engagement with European institutions on development, humanitarian aid, and democracy in Afghanistan. Through projects, training, and advocacy, NADOE promotes sustainable integration and works to challenge discrimination affecting migrant communities across Europe.

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Türkiye

Lajivard Yolu Researcher and Policy Center

A research and knowledge-development center focused on promoting reading, scholarship, and informed scientific dialogue. It supports the production of high-quality academic texts, advances specialization, and renews ideas grounded in both global standards and Afghanistan’s indigenous values. The organization builds the technical and professional capacity of academic institutions and researchers to design and deliver strong applied research. Through structured analysis, policy-oriented studies, and research-based advisory services, it helps identify practical solutions to socio-cultural, political, and economic challenges. It also shares knowledge through roundtables, conferences, publications, virtual learning networks, and academic information resources.

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Afghanistan

Afghanistan Capacity Development and Educational Organization (ACDEO)

a women-led, women-focused national NGO established in 2012, working to improve social welfare and quality of life for Afghanistan’s most vulnerable communities. It supports women, children, and survivors of gender-based violence by expanding access to justice, mental health support, and education, grounded in cultural and religious sensitivity. ACDEO also pioneered Afghanistan’s first family hotline, providing trusted advice and non-violent conflict-resolution support to callers nationwide.

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Germany

Women's Movement for Peace and Freedom

A protest movement that began in Afghanistan in January 2022 and now operates in several countries focused on human rights.

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France

Future Afghanistan

A digital media platform producing bilingual (Farsi and English) content focused on investigative reporting related to Taliban, former political figures, human rights violations, corruption and other critical socio-political issues of Afghanistan.

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Switzerland

Bibisafran

Bibi Safran is a mission-driven initiative that empowers Afghan women entrepreneurs by connecting their premium saffron to the global market. The saffron is cultivated and harvested by Afghan women, and sales proceeds provide vital financial support to help sustain their families through poverty, fear, and uncertainty. Through this work, Bibi Safran aims to foster independence and hope while supporting Afghan communities through sustainable saffron production.

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To explore the complete directory of our network members and learn about their impact, please visit the full members page. View All Members

Join the Movement

Become a Part of the Movement

The ACDFN brings together organizations and activists to strengthen sustainable peace, civic engagement, and the institutionalization of democracy in Afghanistan. By joining, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate on local and international projects, making your voice heard in support of human rights, gender equality, and civil development.

Join the Network

Latest News

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May 10, 2026

Workshop on Accountability, Truth-Seeking and Reconciliation

A two-day workshop in Geneva on 11–12 May 2026 bringing together representatives of Afghanistan’s civil, political, and democratic forces to discuss accountability, truth-seeking, reconciliation, human rights, the rule of law, national consensus, and the return to constitutional governance in Afghanistan.

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April 23, 2026

Afghanistan under Taliban Rule: Security, Regional Pressure, and Resistance

In this interview, General Bismillah Taban examines the security consequences of Taliban rule, growing concerns among regional countries, and the impact of this situation on the security of Afghanistan and its neighbors. It also assesses counterterrorism efforts, the position of anti-Taliban fronts, the level of international pressure, and the role of former Afghan security and defense forces in overcoming the current crisis.

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April 16, 2026

Afghan Civil Institutions in Region and Migration: Challenges and Future

This interview explores the role of Afghan civil institutions in regional countries and diaspora communities. It also discusses the level of coordination among active institutions, opportunities for cooperation, and their influence on political efforts to overcome Afghanistan’s current crisis. In addition, the role and future potential of the diaspora community are assessed.

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April 2, 2026

The Consequences of the Taliban’s Illegitimate Rule on Afghanistan’s International Standing

As part of this round of discussions at CDPG and ACDFN, our colleague Mr. Mansoor Hussain Ayubi held a conversation with Ambassador Mr. Mirwais Samadi. In this discussion, they examined the impact of the Taliban’s illegitimate rule on Afghanistan’s international standing, the effects of anti-Taliban movements on international policies, and the overall situation of the people of Afghanistan.

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