An open platform for the Afghan diaspora
Facilitating dialogue, reflection, and advocacy among the Afghan refugee community and key stakeholders for Afghanistan.
Four years of building together
The Berlin Forum for Afghanistan (BFA) is a platform established to facilitate dialogue, reflection, and advocacy among members of the Afghan refugee community and stakeholders working on Afghanistan. The inclusion of "Berlin" in the name reflects the initiative of Afghan refugees in Germany to establish these meetings; the Forum may also convene in other countries.
At present, the Forum is not formally registered as an organization. It operates as an open and flexible platform, striving to bring together a broad spectrum of Afghan refugees and to reflect their views. Its activities are coordinated by a volunteer Core Group of up to 11 academics and activists.
Berlin · since 2021
An open, flexible platform — coordinated by a volunteer Core Group of up to 11 members.
Why the Forum exists
A joint platform
Give the Afghan diaspora a shared space to raise their voice and act together.
Collective action
Bring all Afghans together — despite differences — toward decisions on the crisis in Afghanistan.
Strategic dialogue
Connect diaspora communities with German and international policymakers.
Knowledge & advocacy
Produce joint policy papers and advocacy with activists and experts.
Our guiding principles
Collective & consensus-oriented
Decisions are made collectively; where consensus is not reached, a simple majority decides.
Transparency & accountability
We work openly, with mutual respect and a focus on the Forum's collective interest.
Diversity
The Core Group reflects the mosaic of Afghan society in its composition.
Voluntary commitment
All members contribute their time and expertise on a voluntary basis.
The Core Group
The Forum's activities are coordinated by a Core Group of up to 11 activists, researchers, and human-rights advocates. Members serve two-year terms and select a Coordinator each year to organize meetings and follow up on decisions.
Join the Core Group
We periodically open a public call for new Core Group members.
See membership criteria