Kabul, Afghanistan | June 3, 2019
The leadership of the Good Governance Studies Institute–Organization (GGSIO), led by Mr. Ahmad Etemadi, Executive Director, held a formal meeting with Mr. Mohammad Ajmal Shahpour, Deputy Minister for Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Information and Culture.
During the meeting, Mr. Etemadi congratulated Mr. Shahpour on his appointment and expressed optimism regarding the leadership transition within the Youth Affairs Directorate. He noted that this change had been widely welcomed by young people across the country and expressed hope that it would lead to meaningful reforms in youth-related policies and programs. He emphasized the importance of transforming the Directorate into a dynamic, inclusive platform that reflects the voice and participation of all Afghan youth.
Mr. Etemadi also introduced GGSIO’s youth-focused initiatives, highlighting the Institute’s commitment to capacity development, leadership training, cadre-building, and strengthening the administrative and political participation of young people. He underscored the importance of institutional cooperation and support from the Deputy Ministry to effectively implement these programs.
Mr. Qais Zaheer, Head of GGSIO’s Local Governance Department, further emphasized the strategic importance of youth engagement, noting that Afghan youth represent a valuable human capital resource characterized by resilience, integrity, and entrepreneurial potential. He highlighted the role of young people in reducing corruption risks and contributing to private sector growth and small-scale investments.
In response, Mr. Shahpour welcomed the GGSIO delegation and outlined reform efforts underway within the Youth Affairs Directorate. He stressed the need to build a non-partisan and nationally representative institution that genuinely reflects the identity and aspirations of Afghan youth. He also emphasized the importance of youth unity and collective national engagement to safeguard the achievements of the past two decades.
The Deputy Minister expressed his full support for GGSIO’s youth programs and committed to cooperating in the implementation and operationalization of joint initiatives.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to formalize collaboration through the development and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide future joint programs.
