The organization Afghans for Progressive Thinking has recently announced that Zahra Wanda has been selected as Afghanistan’s Youth Representative to the United Nations for the 2026–2027 term.
In a statement, the organization said that Ms. Wanda would be responsible for representing the voices of Afghan youth, particularly young women, at the international level.
She is tasked with raising their concerns, experiences, and aspirations in international forums.
Meanwhile, Suraya Dalil, Afghanistan’s former Minister of Public Health, has emphasized the importance of meaningful youth presence and participation in discussions concerning Afghanistan’s future, human rights, gender equality, social justice, and sustainable development, noting that Afghanistan has a predominantly young population.
Ms. Dalil said she was honored to have served as a member of the selection jury and to have participated in the final selection process for Afghanistan’s Youth Representative to the United Nations for the 2026–2027 term.
She congratulated Zahra Wanda on being selected from among four finalists for the position and wished her perseverance, success, and effectiveness in bringing the voices of Afghan youth to the United Nations.
Zahra Wanda is an Afghan researcher and activist working in the fields of refugee rights and humanitarian affairs.
She is a former United Nations staff member, former journalist, and former member of Afghanistan’s Youth Parliament. She has been actively involved in refugee advocacy and promoting youth participation in society.
