Date: February 18-19, 2025
Location: Vienna

The fifth Vienna Process Conference for a Democratic Afghanistan, held on February 18-19, 2025, in Vienna, marked a pivotal moment in the efforts to secure a peaceful and democratic future for Afghanistan when approximately 86 Afghan delegates from around the world gathered to collaboratively advance their efforts shaping a stable, inclusive, and democratic Afghanistan.

The conference commenced with powerful opening remarks by Dr. Wolfgang Petritsch and Dr. Christian Reder articulating the vision and objectives of the Vienna Process, Mr. Nur  Safa and Ms. Ziagul Saljuqi provided an update on the progress since the last conference, setting the stage for the discussions that would define the next two days.

A critical evaluation of the current situation in Afghanistan was the focus of the first day. Prominent speakers among others Mr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta, Mr. Mohammad Mohaqiq, Mr. Ahmad Massoud, Dr. Yasin Zia, and Mr. Khalid Pashtoon illuminated the challenges and opportunities present. The first session, titled "Uniting for a Common Cause: Amplifying Voices, Driving Change," highlighted the efforts of the Afghan people, particularly in women's rights and human rights. Experts like Ms. Fawzia Kofi and Mr. Daoud Naji shared insights and experiences, underscoring the urgent need for an inclusive approach. The second session delved into assessing the internal dynamics of the Taliban and their impact on the state of Afghanistan. The conference continued in two subsequent sessions presenting the work of four working groups–Political, Human Rights, International Relations and Economic– which concluded with adopting these papers to the roadmap–a strategic plan founded on the principles of democracy, rule of law, inclusivity and upholding and respecting of human rights, including women’s rights.

The second day of the conference featured forward-looking discussions that culminated in a press conference where the outcomes–the enhanced roadmap and the concrete steps in advancing the objectives of the roadmap–were unveiled. The final panel discussion explored Afghanistan's role in the new global landscape. International experts, including Professor Michael A. Barry, Professor Michael Semple, Ms. Raquel Garcia Hermida-Van Der Walle, MEP and Chair of the Afghanistan Delegation of the European Parliament, Dr. Arlette Zakarian, a  renowned Human Rights Expert, Former Ambassador Ashraf Haidari, President of Displaced International, and Mr. Luke Coffey, Senior Fellow at Hudson Institute, discussed integrating Afghanistan into the global community and the strategic steps necessary to realize the vision of a democratic future.

Two pivotal outcomes emerged from Vienna 5 that are set to chart the course for Afghanistan's future. The enhanced Afghanistan Roadmap includes the adoption of the four working groups’ papers into the roadmap, which outlines a comprehensive framework designed to usher in a stable, democratic, and inclusive governance structure in Afghanistan. It details actionable strategies for establishing and defining democratic principles based on free elections, equal citizenship rights, and the rule of law. Furthermore, it addresses the mechanisms to safeguard human rights, especially those of women, children, and all ethnic groups in Afghanistan, while proposing concrete measures for justice, including the prosecution of perpetrators of human rights violations.

Additionally, the conference marked the creation of a National Commission, consisting of 19 members representing a broad spectrum of Afghan society and the Vienna Process stakeholders. This commission is tasked with the monumental job of consolidating a common vision for Afghanistan’s future, and formulating strategies to navigate and mitigate crises. Its role extends to designing comprehensive political structures that build on the previous declarations and insights drawn from the expert working groups, ensuring that the roadmap’s initiatives are meticulously implemented.