The first Sussex Afghanistan Forum (SAF) co-organized by Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS) and University of Sussex Asia Centre (USAC) held in the United Kingdom on March 13, 2019. The SAF officially inaugurated by Dr Spanta, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs/National Security Advisor of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Professor Adam Tickell, Vice Chancellor and President, University of Sussex and Professor Magnus Marsden, Director of Sussex Asia Center, University of Sussex.
The panels in Today’s forum included discussions on 1) Afghanistan: State Building and Education 2) UK-Afghanistan Relations: Perception; Interests; Partnership 3) Beyond the Great Game: Interregional Connectivity – Commercial and Environmental Dynamics and 4) Peace and Political Settlement: Desperation; Inclusivity; Sustainability.
It is hoped that SAF will consolidate into a major platform through which Afghanistan’s leaders from governmental and non-governmental sectors can identify areas for research and related Afghan policies and where UK-based academics can communicate their research findings or analytical insights to relevant institutions in Afghanistan, there by facilitating the prospect of future collaborations.