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Afghanistan-Pakistan Civil Society Conference
Afghanistan and Pakistan have inherited common historical, cultural and religious traditions. The two states, however, have generally been characterized by deep mistrust, particularly at state level, prevented the two countries from reaching out to each other to capitalize on each other’s strengths.
Keeping in view the importance of Afg-Pak region for the regional and global peace, Counterpart Afghanistan in partnership with SPADO Pakistan took the initiative of bringing together civil society and youth organizations to discuss the issues, challenges, opportunities and way forward for the promotion of peace and trust in the region. In this regard two exchange visits, one each to both countries, were arranged in 2013. The two organizations worked together to chalk out a 7-day exchange program aiming to foster trust between two civil societies. Eventually Pak-Afghan Youth Exchange Program was conceptualized. The Exchange program commenced on 28th April 2013 and successfully ended on 4th May 2013 with the departure of Afghan delegation from Pakistan. With the same end in view, a Pakistani delegation was flown to Kabul in early 2014.
. In order to pursue the goal of promoting peace and trust building, Counter Part International and Sustainable Peace and Development Organization (SPADO) held yet another round of comprehensive debate among CSOs of both countries on January 21-22, 2015. The two-day conference was attended by around 50 civil society representatives from Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Conference discussed the issues, challenges, opportunities and way forward for the promotion of peace and trust in the region. The Conference focused on three main thematic areas: 1. The role of civil society in elections: what did we learn and opportunities for collaboration. 2. The role of civil society of Afghanistan and Pakistan in promoting peace and building trust between the people of the two countries. 3. The role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in promoting regional cooperation. One of the major objectives of the conference was promoting peace and building trust by engaging civil society is designed to facilitate this process. Building on the format of Pak-Afghan Youth Exchange Program, the initiative is to draw the CSOs of Pakistan and Afghans into mutual bilateral dialogue process on the role of civil society in elections: what did we learn and opportunities for collaboration, peace trust and building and regional cooperation. The final product of the Conference was the Islamabad declaration. The Declaration contains innovative, practical and far-reaching recommendations for trust, peacebuilding and regional cooperation. Islamabad Civil Society DeclarationPreambleThe Conference adopted the Islamabad Civil Society Declaration, which follows: 1. Noting trust deficit at both state and society levels, the Declaration recommends increasing cooperation between civil society of Pakistan and Afghanistan through, inter alia, establishment of cross-border CSO networks and arranging Cultural and Youth Exchange programmes. 2. Noting both countries’ progress towards the destination of a democratic polity, the Declaration urges civil society of Pakistan and Afghanistan to capitalize on this momentum not only to help strengthen the democratic tendencies in their respective country, but to also build cross-country linkages focusing on democracy, elections and strengthening of democratic institutions. 3. Noting the prevailing situation of violent extremism and the damage it has been doing to human security in both societies, the Declaration urges civil society of Pakistan and Afghanistan to take up a more proactive role in De-radicalizing the societies by adopting innovative means and strategies, particularly through effective use of communication channels including social media. 4. Noting poor economic cooperation between two countries, notwithstanding the availability of ample opportunities in terms of geographic proximity, cultural linkages and international community’s support, the Declaration urges civil society of Pakistan and Afghanistan to take on a proactive role to promote economic cooperation between two countries through advocacy and monitoring of bilateral trade relations. The Declaration also urges the two governments to benefit from each other’s strengths, particularly in terms of human and natural resources. 5. Noting continuous problems in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, the Declaration urges civil society of Pakistan and Afghanistan to act as champions of warm friendly relations between two countries by playing its role in creating and strengthening peace constituencies in both countries. 6. Noting that both countries are confronted by environmental problems of gigantic proportions which pose serious challenges to the prosperity and wellbeing of both peoples, the Declaration urges civil society of Pakistan and Afghanistan to undertake research, advocacy and capacity-building with regard to the region’s environmental problems, and to build cross-border linkages. 7. Noting the poor state of human rights, particularly those of marginalized and vulnerable communities, in both countries, the Declaration urges civil society of Pakistan and Afghanistan to play their role in improving the situation by taking benefit of increasing opportunities for such a role, particularly the availability of international community’s support. 8. Noting the dire need for cooperation in the field of education, the Declaration suggests mutual collaboration among Pakistani and Afghan universities, which should also result in joint publications and enhanced opportunities for Afghan students to pursue higher education in Pakistani universities and professional education institutions. 9. Noting the importance of growing role of CSOs in many spheres of public life, the Declaration urges both the governments to give due space and opportunities to CSOs in policymaking so that their perspectives are reflected in public policy. 10. Noting a growing international trend towards regional integration, and the opportunities available and the benefits that would accrue to both countries and their peoples, the Declaration urges civil society of Pakistan and Afghanistan to act as a catalyst for increasing regionalization by lobbying for such initiatives as would lead to a more interconnected region . ...
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