Vision

The Welfare Association for the Development of Afghanistan is an indigenous, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that envisions a peaceful, drug free, democratic, developed and prosperous Afghanistan.

Mission

To advance the spread of democratic principles, development, social justice, human rights and freedom in Afghanistan as well as to strengthen communities and local governance by promoting effective community and institutional development practices and drug control initiatives.

Geographic Coverage

WADAN's programs have expanded to include engagement in all 34 provinces with emphasis on the grassroots and work with people in remote communities, the heartland of Afghanistan.

  

On March 25, 2009, WADAN in partnership with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and in consultations with the executive board and regional networks of the National Maliks Association (NMA) organized a two-day annual NMA gathering in Kabul.

The theme of NMA meeting was to discuss two important issues currently faced by the nation – 1) to deliberate on the expectations of the Afghan people from the next elected president, and 2) to pinpoint the ongoing pressing problems and lay out possible ways out from the crisis. The event was also aimed to build a common ground and enhance regional dialogues and greater cooperation through strengthening local involvement in initiatives geared toward peace, security, and conflict mitigation, as well as promotion of democracy and national unity through regional exchanges, and more direct links with the elected officials.

Around 426 local leaders and tribal elders from various parts of Afghanistan as well as members of the Afghan parliament and stalwarts from the civil society participated in the event and were actively involved in all discussions and plenary sessions. At the end of the event, NMA elections were held and Mr. Mir Ahmad Qaseem from northeast part of Afghanistan was named the Chairman of the National Maliks Association to lead the NMA for a period of one year. Finally, a declaration was adopted unanimously that stressed upon the local leaders to play their existing roles as community leaders and actively promote the declaration and mobilize their communities to participate and work for the prosperity, national unity, peace and democracy in Afghanistan.