State, Security and Economy in Afghanistan: Current Challenges, Possible Solutions
Brussels, Belgium
16-18 November 2007

The Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination convened the conference, “State, Security and Economy in Afghanistan: Current Challenges, Possible Solutions,” 16-18 November 2007 in Brussels, Belgium.  This colloquium was part of LISD’s research project on Afghanistan and the region, and the eighth in a series of LISD-sponsored conferences focusing on Afghanistan since October 2001.  The conference was funded in part by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

This event brought together senior policymakers, academics, governmental representatives, and representatives of the public and private sectors, key institutions and non-governmental organizations active in Afghanistan and the region.  Among the more than 50 high-level conference participants, presentations and keynote addresses were made by Amb. Christopher Alexander, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan; Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime; Lt. Gen Karl Eikenberry, Deputy Chair, NATO Military Political Committee; Peter Feith, Deputy Director General, EU Council Secretariat; Mohammad Karim Khalili, Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan; and Amb. Francesc Vendrell, EU Special Representative for Afghanistan.  H.S.H. Prince Hans Adam II of Liechtenstein presented the event’s opening address.
 
During three days of intensive discussions, conference participants examined and analyzed the current state of and challenges to Afghanistan's internal and external security, including issues related to the rule of law; border security; Afghanistan's relations with neighboring Pakistan and Iran; the role of the international community in stabilizing and developing the country; and prospects for developing Afghanistan's economy.
 
The objective of the conference was to assess and generate policy recommendations relating to the short, medium, and long-term needs of Afghanistan, and the capabilities of the international community – especially the US and EU – to address these.