A number of high-ranking officials this weekend called for support for Afghanistan as the country’s authorities seek ways to move towards stability and prosperity.

This year’s Doha Forum, in Qatar, which focused on global developments and crises, officials present included Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Norway Espen Barth Eide, UNAMA chief Roza Otunbayeva among others.

While the focus of the forum was not on Afghanistan, the situation in the country was raised by some delegates.

One official who raised the issue was Lavrov, who accused the US of double standards and said America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan was “shameful”.
“We never left our embassy in Kabul. Our embassy in Kabul was kept open during the American occupation and during their shameful withdrawal.

“The Taliban (Islamic Emirate) as a group is not on the UN terrorist list, but their leaders are on that list individually,” he pointed out.

Eide also touched on Afghanistan and said the solution to most conflicts, including internal crises, comes from talking to people and ethnic groups, and that Norway has also made efforts to solve Afghanistan’s problems.
Otunbayeva meanwhile, addressed the ongoing challenges facing Afghan women and girls and spoke on the state of education and humanitarian needs in the country.

She expressed concern over the limited access to education for women and girls, stating that only about 20 percent of Afghan women have received formal education. “This is regrettable,” she said.

Otunbayeva however called on the international community to address the humanitarian crisis in the country.

About Doha Forum

This edition of the forum, held under the patronage of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, was held on Saturday and Sunday in the Qatari capital.

It brought together heads of state, heads of government, and foreign ministers, along with heads of numerous organizations and 4,600 participants from over 140 countries, including over 350 speakers, participated.

The two-day event, following the theme of ‘The Innovation Imperative’, saw top diplomats, experts, and change-makers address critical global challenges.