In the Joint Communication ‘Elements for an EU Strategy on Afghanistan’ published in July 2017, the European Commission and the European External Action Service emphasised the need to support economic development and regional connectivity (i.e. improving transit, transport and energy corridors). The Afghan government has been stressing the need for investment in the construction, transport and infrastructure sectors as a way to address the pressing problem of widespread unemployment in Afghanistan, which is seen by many as a key driver of instability and insecurity. However, in the absence of a conflict-sensitive investment and employment strategy, those sectors will continue to create short-term, vulnerable employment.

In this EPLO Brown Bag Lunch discussion, Dr. Elke Grawert, Project Leader from the Bonn International Centre for Conversion (BICC), will share the findings and analysis from a recent research project on conflict-sensitive employment in Afghanistan, particularly the challenges faced by the transport sector. She will also present examples of conflict-sensitive employment frameworks which local companies can adopt. Rabia Nusrat, Regional Projects Manager at International Alert, will present the specific challenges faced by transport companies which operate across Afghanistan’s borders with Iran and Pakistan. Both will discuss the policy implications for EU in term of integrating conflict-sensitivity in these sectors in Afghanistan.

The presentations will be followed by a moderated discussion in which participants are invited to share their own experiences on conflict-sensitive investment and private sector development in fragile and conflict affected situations.

Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch and EPLO will provide tea and coffee.

Please RSVP to Colin Cogitore if you would like to participate.