Preserving the Past to Strengthen Afghanistan’s Future
October 5, 2018
The Department of State recently commissioned renowned photojournalist Robert Nickelsberg for a photobook entitled, Afghanistan’s Heritage, Restoring Spirit and Stone, comprising photographs of heritage sites in Kabul, Herat, and Balkh as well as artifacts in the National Museum collections that received U.S. support. At this event, panelists examined how this often challenging and painstaking work serves to strengthen national identity, bolster community cohesion, promote economic prosperity, and counter violent extremism.
Remarks:
Ambassador William Taylor, introductory remarks
Vice President, U.S. Institute of Peace
Ambassador Alice Wells, opening remarks
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Panelists:
Ambassador Richard Olson
Former Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan
Robert Nickelsberg
Photojournalist
Barmak Pazhwak
Senior Program Officer, U.S Institute of Peace
Majeedullah Qarar
Cultural Attaché, Embassy of Afghanistan
Emilia Puma
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Laura Tedesco, moderator
Cultural Heritage Program Manager, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, U.S. Department of State
