On December 18 – 19, 2024, Adroit Associates hosted the highly anticipated Adroit International Research Conference 2024 at Kardan University’s Taimani Campus in Kabul, Afghanistan. This landmark event, organized in collaboration with Kardan University and generously supported by Ghazanfar Bank, brought together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to address pressing socio-economic challenges in conflict-affected regions. With its hybrid format, the conference welcomed over 100 in-person attendees and many more joining virtually from around the globe.
Themes of the Conference
The conference focused on two critical themes: Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture and Health Systems Development. These themes reflect the urgent priorities for Afghanistan and similar regions where resilience and innovation are key to sustainable development.
Day 1 Highlights: Setting the Tone
The conference opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Osmani, setting the stage for two days of rigorous dialogue and knowledge exchange. Dr. Ahmad Khalid Hatam, Chancellor of Kardan University, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address. In his speech, Dr. Hatam delved into the socio-economic challenges faced by conflict-affected nations, emphasizing the need for governance reforms, inclusive policies, and sustainable development frameworks rooted in Islamic jurisprudence.
The morning’s energy carried into the first panel discussion on Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture, moderated by Mr. Osmani. Panelists, including Mr. Abdul Ghafar Sediqi from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, and Dr. Mohammad Emal Saraj of Adroit Associates, shared their expertise. They highlighted how prolonged conflict has strained agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods and discussed the role of climate adaptation in addressing these challenges. The dialogue underscored the importance of partnerships between local and international stakeholders in creating sustainable agricultural projects.
The afternoon saw the conference shift its focus to individual research presentations. Among them, Mr. Ahmad Jawid Muradi’s virtual presentation explored the factors influencing almond productivity in Samangan and Balkh provinces, offering targeted recommendations to support smallholder farmers. In another virtual session, Mr. Jamshid Yolchi presented a decade-long analysis of food poverty trends, shedding light on chronic and transient food insecurity in Afghanistan. These were followed by Mr. Mohammad Masudi’s in-person evaluation of Afghanistan’s climate change policies, which pointed out key gaps and proposed actionable improvements. Concluding the day’s presentations, Mr. Sayed Batin’s research on solar well systems in Jowzjan province raised critical concerns about groundwater depletion, sparking lively discussions during the interactive Q&A session.
Day 2 Highlights: Focus on Health Systems
The second day began with a recap of the previous discussions, setting the tone for a day focused on health systems development. Dr. Abdul Qadir Qadir delivered the keynote address, which examined the unique challenges faced by fragile health systems in conflict zones. He called for evidence-based interventions to bolster healthcare resilience and emphasized the vital role of collaborative research.
The presentations that followed offered a deep dive into various health-related issues. Dr. Rohullah Sakhi’s work on health-promoting behaviors in conflict zones provided a roadmap for improving health literacy in vulnerable communities. Eid Mohammad Wafaei’s detailed study of healthcare practices in managing severe acute malnutrition among under-five children exposed critical gaps in knowledge and training among healthcare providers, offering recommendations for systemic improvements. Musayeb Quraish Zarghoon’s exploration of health workers’ lifestyles highlighted the need for interventions to promote their well-being, while Mr. Faisal Sidiqi delivered a powerful critique of Afghanistan’s struggle for health and nutrition rights, urging stronger policy responses and international collaboration.
Interactive Q&A sessions punctuated both days of the conference, allowing participants — both in-person and virtual — to engage deeply with the speakers. These discussions were lively and thought-provoking, often branching into uncharted territory and leaving participants with new perspectives to consider. The networking breaks further fostered meaningful connections, with many attendees exchanging ideas and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.
Key Outcomes and Feedback
The Adroit International Research Conference 2024 succeeded in creating a platform for impactful dialogue and collaboration. Participants praised the hybrid format for its inclusivity and accessibility, while feedback forms highlighted the high quality of presentations and the dynamic Q&A sessions. Attendees expressed a desire for extended discussion periods in future events to delve deeper into the topics.
Notable outcomes of the conference include strengthened ties between academic institutions and development organizations, increased visibility for emerging researchers, and actionable insights into food security and health system challenges.
Looking Ahead
The Adroit International Research Conference 2024 underscored the power of research and collaboration in addressing the socio-economic challenges of conflict-affected regions. By bringing together established experts and emerging scholars, the conference paved the way for innovative solutions and sustainable development strategies. Adroit Associates looks forward to building on this momentum in future initiatives.