About ACDFN

The Afghanistan Civil and Democratic Forces Network (ACDFN) is a unified platform that brings together independent Afghan civil society organizations, intellectuals, and activists who believe in democratic values and are committed to a peaceful, just, and inclusive Afghanistan.

The network emerged through a series of structured dialogues in Geneva and Antalya (2022–2024) and aims to coordinate effective action by unifying the voice of civil society within and outside the country.

Formation: The network was officially formed on February 6, 2025, based on shared visions and values, aiming to coordinate Afghan civil efforts globally.

ACDFN Collaboration

Vision, Mission and Core Values

Vision

A free, independent, inclusive and democratic Afghanistan based on the rule of law and human rights, in which all citizens enjoy equal rights, justice, and dignity regardless of their ethnicity, gender, or belief.

Mission

To establish a broad and united front of Afghanistan's civil and democratic forces for the defense of democracy and human rights, through inclusive dialogue, cooperation, and strategic action aimed at supporting the future of Afghanistan.

Core Values

Democracy and Rule of Law

Commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.

Human Rights

Full respect for human rights, dignity, and freedoms of all people.

Inclusivity

Guaranteeing the voice and participation of women, youth, minorities, and marginalized groups.

Peace and Reconciliation

Promoting national dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Transparency

Ensuring open and accountable functioning at all levels of the network.

Solidarity

Strengthening unity and cooperation among all members and partners.

Antalya Conference

Antalya Conference 2023

Bringing together civil society leaders to shape Afghanistan's future

Governance Structure

General Assembly

The highest decision-making body of ACDFN, composed of all full members. It has authority over policy, leadership elections, financial oversight, and strategic direction.

Steering Committee

Elected by the General Assembly every two years, consisting of 5 to 7 members. Responsible for implementing decisions and representing the network.

Secretariat

Hosted by CDP-Geneva, provides administrative, organizational, and technical support to all ACDFN functions.

Working Committees

  • Human Rights Committee
  • Peace, Democracy & Governance Committee
  • Public Communication & Media Committee
  • Capacity Building Committee

Finance Committee

Supervises all financial operations, ensures accountability and transparency, and submits annual financial reports.

International Advisory Committee

A consultative body of up to 11 independent experts providing guidance and connecting the network globally.

Our Team & Members

Dr. Nasir Ahmad Andisha

Mr. Shoaib Timory

Mr. Hamid Karimi

Mr. Hamid Abdulhai Formuli

Mr. Khodayar Waqef

Ms. Nazifa Haqpal

Mr. Ahmad Shah Hamed

Mr. Hossein Sharifi

Ms. Aliye Yilmaz

Ms. Atefa Tayeb

Ms. Manizha Bahir

Ms. Frishta Kargar

Mr. Qadir Bahman

Ms. Frozan Nawabi

Mr. Habib Fatah

Mr. Besmillah Taban

Mr. Hamid Obaidi

Mr. Mohammed Haroon Mutasem

Ms. Shagofah Ghafori

Qazi Atiq Habib

Mr. Ismail Miyakhel

Mr. Mansoor Hosseini Ayobi

Mr. Masoud Amer

Ms. Najia Jalal

Ms. Sabera Aitabar

Ms. Nigara Mirdad

Ms. Shabnam Sharifi

Ms. Somatyeh Mohamoodi

Ms. Sonia Eqbal

Mr. Rohullah Amin

Ms. Hamasa Kohistani

Mr. Seyed Ashraf Sadat

Organizations Represented in Steering Committee

Journalists Support Network of Afghanistan

Afghanistan Female Diplomats Network

Network of Afghanistan Diaspora Organizations

Center for Afghanistan Policy Studies

Center for Dialogue and Solidarity – Rome

Freedom and Development Center

Charter Details

The official charter of the Afghanistan Civil and Democratic Forces Network (ACDFN), established on February 6, 2025, based on shared visions and values.

Membership

Eligibility

Afghan civil society organizations, social organizations, human rights and democratic organizations can become members, subject to commitment to ACDFN's values and mission.

Membership conditions are prepared separately.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted formally and in writing to the Secretariat. The Steering Committee reviews and forwards for approval to the General Assembly.

Annual membership fees are determined by the General Assembly.

Types of Membership

Full Members

Civil society organizations with voting rights in the General Assembly.

Associate Members

Individuals or observer institutions without voting rights.

Dispute Resolution

Resolution Process

Disputes are resolved through a three-member panel from the General Assembly (including Secretariat and Steering Committee members). If unresolved, matters are referred to the General Assembly.

Decision Making

Decision-making requires presence of at least 50% of members and simple majority. Special cases require two-thirds majority.

Charter Amendments

Amendment Process

The charter can be amended with a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly members.

Dissolution

In case of dissolution, the network can be dissolved with a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly members.

Code of Conduct

Ethical Guidelines

The Steering Committee, with the assistance of the Secretariat, prepares an ethical and behavioral charter and presents it to the General Assembly.

Contact & Engagement

For membership applications, inquiries, or collaborations, please reach out to the Secretariat or one of the Steering Committee representatives.

Contact Us
ACDFN Participants