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Three Years Since the Taliban Takeover: Security Threats, Humanitarian Crisis, and the Fight for Freedom

Three Years Since the Taliban Takeover: Security Threats, Humanitarian Crisis, and the Fight for Freedom

Co-sponsored by the NATO Association of Canada and the Bill Graham Centre

Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Time: 2 pm-5 pm, EST

Cost: Free

Location: The event will take place at the Munk School, University of Toronto. For security purposes, the exact event location will be provided via email only upon successful completion of registration.

Registration is now closed.

About the Event:

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the ongoing challenges and emerging threats in Afghanistan, three years after the Taliban's return to power. This event will feature two comprehensive sessions, each focusing on critical themes and featuring distinguished speakers.

Each panel will consist of about 1 hour and a half of moderated discussion, providing ample opportunity for the speakers to delve into the key issues. There will be a 10-minute coffee/tea  break between the two sessions.

Session 1: Historical Perspectives, Emerging Threats, and Anti-Taliban Opposition
Themes:

  • Historical Perspectives on Canada's Involvement in Afghanistan

  • Emerging Security Threats from Afghanistan

  • Resistance and Opposition to the Taliban

Speakers:

  • Ben Rowswell - Former Canadian diplomat and expert on international affairs

  • Phil Gurski - President and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting, specializing in security and intelligence

  • Ali Maisam Nazary - Head of Foreign Relations for the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan

Session 2: Civilian Struggles in Afghanistan: Gender Apartheid, Humanitarian Crisis, and the Suppression of Free Speech Under Taliban Rule
Themes:

  • Women's Rights Abuses and Gender Apartheid

  • Humanitarian Crisis and Governance Failures

  • Suppression of Free Speech Under Taliban Rule

Speakers:

  • Lauryn Oates - Executive Director of Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan

  • Sabrina Saqeb - Former Member of Parliament in Afghanistan and women’s rights
    advocate

  • Lotfullah Najafaizada - Prominent Afghan journalist and media personality