With the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the country is once again experiencing a period of political and economic uncertainty, yet, amid these challenges, activities to support the preservation of the nation’s diverse culture still persist and play a critical role in the process of renewed socio-economic development and community resilience.

This in-person event at the V&A South Kensington brings together two cultural professionals who have been working in Afghanistan for over seventeen years to discuss their work, engagement with local communities across the country, and the role heritage protection can play as an integral part of peacebuilding and reconciliation processes.

We will explore the current landscape of cultural projects and their politics, discussing the funding challenges they face, referencing past and current projects aimed at engaging the current de facto government, disparate communities and non-state actors within cultural heritage preservation activities.

Speakers

• Andy Miller, Cultural Heritage Consultant, MENA, Central Asia, W. Balkans
• Jonathan Rider, Director and Co-Founder, Aleph Strategies
• Laura Searson, Cultural Heritage Preservation Lead V&A (Moderator)