October 28, 2002

Haron Amin, deputy chief of mission at the Afghan Embassy and chief spokesman to the United Nations for the Northern Alliance during the War on Terrorism, will discuss the future of Afghanistan and how to rebuild the war-torn country on October 29, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Rome Commons Ballroom, South Campus.

Haron Amin, deputy chief of mission, Afghan Embassy. Photo by Peter Morenus

Two decades of war have left two million Afghans dead and nearly five million refugees - the largest refugee population worldwide. The country is in a state of dire need.

The half-day workshop will focus on the reconstruction that will heal the aftermath of these decades.

"The emphasis will be on rebuilding, education, healthcare, from the village to the national level" says Mark Wentzel, director of international services and programs, who coordinated the event.

Discussion topics will include developing human capacity and developing community health care. In addition, proceedings to be submitted to the U.N. concerning Afghanistan's reconstruction will be presented and the development of an archive of the Afghan war years will be discussed. A display on the impact of war on the status and education of women and children will be on exhibit from noon to 5 p.m.

Amin will open the conference, addressing the issue of militant Islam and the future of Afghanistan.

Ghulam Dastgeer, president of the Afghan Physicians Association, will speak about the healing of the nation on a community level.

Additional speakers include several presenters from Afghans4Tomorrow: Wahid Omar, executive director of education; Tooba Mayel, acting president; Abdulla Noorzad, acting vice president; and Raihana Rasouli, director of strategy and planning.

Pre-registration is encouraged, although participants may also register on-site. There is no fee for admission to the conference.

For more information, contact Mark Wentzel or Nick Omari at 806.486.3855 or international.center@uconn.edu, or visit the conference website at www.international.uconn.edu/DISP/afghan.