On Monday, 24 September 2018 the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS); held the first Awarding Ceremony of “Avicenna_Peace_Award: Intercultural Cooperation for Peace” with presence of distinguished academics, ambassadors & diplomats, civil society members and media representatives attending the event. The aim of Avicenna Peace Award is to honor distinguished individual(s) and institution(s) whose efforts have significantly contributed to solving complex political, diplomatic and/or social conflicts. This year's award was awarded to Professor Michael Barry, professor at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) and one of the well-known international scholars in the field of Islamic art and civilization. Dr Barry has conducted various research in different field especially in culture and art.
At the beginning of program Dr Davood Moradian, director general of the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS) welcomed the guests and continued we are pleased to receive the International Award for the appreciation of individuals, institutions, initiatives and programs where dialogue, intercultural exchange, coexistence, and non- We promote violence, and launch this program, as well as other programs of the Institute everywhere.
Then Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta, former National Security Advisor of Afghanistan began his speech about the importance and role of culture, adding that for the coexistence crisis and collaboration of cultures, from one side we see the anti-democracy and anti-universalized contemporary civilization, especially human rights, gender equality and acceptance of cultural diversity, on the other side we see the rise of Islamophobia. The Afghanistan Institute of Strategic Studies (AISS) took a step forward today by honoring Professor Michael Barry with Abo Ali Sina-e Balkhi badge named as “Cultural Collaboration for Peace“ to honor his works in this area.
Professor Rahnavard Zaryab spoke about the position of the East in advancing the history of human civilization, and considered the position of culture in interacting with human beings, and also spoke about the elements of the contemporary world, which exacerbates non-native cultures in their own cultures.
Professor Michael Barry, the recipient of the Avicenna Peace Award “Intercultural Cooperation for Peace” spoke about the role of Persian literature in the contemporary world, the oriental art and its impact, while expressing his great appreciation for the prize.