Building Peace and Connectivity through Research and Dialogue

Advisory Council

Jafar Mahdavi

Jafar Mahdavi

Born in 1975 in Ghor, central Afghanistan, Jafar Mahdavi is a prominent Afghan scholar, politician and civil society activist. Mr Mahdavi’s educational background is in sociology in which field he
Homayra Ludin-Etemadi

Homayra Ludin-Etemadi

Homayra Ludin Etamadi is currently an advisor to the former President of Afghanistan, Hamed Karzai, and served as his Deputy Chief of Staff for seven years. Prior to joining the
Ambassador Gautam Mukhopadhaya

Ambassador Gautam Mukhopadhaya

Ambassador Gautam Mukhopadhaya retired from the Indian Foreign Service in May 2016 after serving as India's Ambassador to Syria, Afghanistan (July 2013-May 2016), and Myanmar, Charge d'Affaires at the newly
Ambassador Vygaudas Usackas

Ambassador Vygaudas Usackas

Ambassador Vygaudas Usackas is the former Foreign Minister of Lithuania, EU Special Representative to Afghanistan (2010-2013), EU ambassador to Russia and Lithuanian ambassador to USA, Mexico and Court of St.
David Sedney

David Sedney

Mr. David Sedney is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense of the United States and former President of the American University of Afghanistan
Elizabeth Winter

Elizabeth Winter

A social scientist, with a career combining research, policy, coordination, evaluation and advocacy. Involvement with Afghanistan since backpacking there in 1977, and regular visits since then.   Concentrating on supporting Afghan
Ambassador Tadamichi Yamamoto

Ambassador Tadamichi Yamamoto

Ambassador Tadamichi Yamamoto is a diplomat, who served as the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) from March 2016 until March 2020.
Josie Bassinette

Josie Bassinette

Josie Bassinette worked for the World Bank Group for 30 years. Much of her career was spent in development in Fragile and Conflict-effected States including the West Bank and Gaza, Lebanon,
Aref Dostyar

Aref Dostyar

Mr. Aref Dostyar is the Consul General of Afghanistan to Western United States based in Los Angeles. Dostyar worked with the Afghan government in different capacities including as Director General for International Relations
Annie Pforzheimer

Annie Pforzheimer

After retiring from the senior ranks of the State Department after a 30-year diplomatic career, Annie Pforzheimer has become engaged in opportunities to advance women's rights, social justice, and principled