Policy Recommendations of the First Meeting

We take into consideration that both countries are vital to each other’s stability and security and share a common heritage and tradition. Building upon previous success stories of bilateral partnerships, the civil society in both countries underline the following:

  1. Civil society on both sides unanimously condemns all acts of terrorism in either side of the border.
  2. Both parties affirmed that civil society representatives should act and talk independently, representing their own views as members of civil society and the aspirations of their respective nations.
  3. Civil society of both countries urges their respective governments to prioritize security and peace as a key milestone in providing conducive environment for mutual cooperation.
  4. Both countries shall strive to review their educational curriculum in order to raise the new generation of both Afghans and Pakistanis with a peaceful perception of each other, promoting peace education, civic education, tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
  5. Both Afghan and Pakistani civil society organizations are committed to transforming the prevailing negative narrative in respective countries by increasing people to people and civil society exchanges and confidence building measures.
  6. A realization of the importance of emphasizing that peace is essential to the region and civil society and other non-state actors in both countries can contribute to promoting dialogue on peace.
  7. In keeping with UN Security Council Resolution 1325, and following resolutions, we jointly re-affirm our commitment to ensure the equal representation of women in all delegations working towards peace, including civil society groups, youth, media, political representation and government representation.
  8. Civil society in both countries urges their respective governments to collaborate on the implementation of their international and mutual commitments under bilateral and multilateral conventions and treaties.
  9. On the educational collaboration front, the civil society in both countries urges their governments to develop a comprehensive and transparent program for scholarly exchange between two countries. These include, scholarships (up to PhD level), visiting scholar programs and alumni networking on both sides.
  10. Economic cooperation is the best way forward for cementing ties. Trade forms a common link between the two countries.
  11. The civil society of both countries urges their respective media to promote a culture of peace and contribute to transforming the negative narrative as a multiplier of the peace process.
  12. It is recommended that human rights be protected of Afghan Refugees with special emphasis on facilitating their voluntary repatriation to their homeland.