ARH Inauguration Event
On October 14, 2024, the Afghanistan Research Hub (ARH) was officially launched at Humboldt University in Berlin.
On October 14, 2024, the Afghanistan Research Hub (ARH) was officially launched at Humboldt University in Berlin. The event brought together over 80 scholars, researchers, and professionals for an enriching afternoon filled with discussions, exchange of ideas, and collaborative brainstorming.
The program began with a welcome from Prof. Dr. Gökce Yurdakul of the Berlin Institute for Empirical Integration and Migration Studies (BIM), who shared insights into the network's origins and its mission to connect academics across disciplines. This was followed by an introduction to MERGE by Dr. Nader Talebi, highlighting its role as the hosting platform for the ARH within BIM.
Ambassador Yama Yari provided a compelling address on the challenges faced by evacuated Afghan scholars and the critical need for collaboration to overcome these obstacles and unlock opportunities. Adding to this, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Yosufi from GIGA in Hamburg underscored the importance of creating supportive networks for early-career researchers, particularly those navigating the isolating challenges of new academic and cultural environments.
The afternoon also featured an open forum where attendees shared personal experiences, contributed ideas, and proposed initiatives to shape the future of the network. These contributions were thoughtfully documented and will guide the ARH’s planning and development.
The inauguration set the stage for the ARH’s vision of fostering interdisciplinary research and building a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to understanding the complexities of Afghanistan and its global diaspora. The energy and enthusiasm at the event reaffirmed the importance of such a platform in addressing pressing academic and societal challenges, and the ARH looks forward to continuing these vital conversations in the months and years ahead.