This tragic news won't end, unless 'push factors' or drivers of desperate migration are addressed in source countries: conflict, chronic poverty and youth joblessness, and increasingly climate impact. Conflict resolution and sustainable development interventions must top the

When nations connect through people-to-people ties underpinned by common interests, passions, and concerns, governments -- despite interstate tensions sometimes -- would inevitably follow suit, further pursuing and expanding avenues of win-win cooperation.

Enjoyed speaking

This warning from Cindy McCain must be heeded. Conflict, climate, and weakening economies are driving endemic poverty, increased cases of famine, and protracted violence through terrorism, extremism and criminality. Afghanistan under a sanctioned gender apartheid regime is facing an

Happy #WorldPenguinDay !
#DYK a group of penguins in water is called a raft, but on land, they're called a waddle?
Penguins aren't just conservation symbols; they're funny, caring, &clever.
Let's act #ForNature to protect these vital creatures & others worldwide. 🐧🌍

@wwfcanada

US Congress may act on this Department of State report by (1) requiring aid implementers to account for every dollar given in the name of suffering Afghans; (2) tasking SIGAR to verify (1) and ensure no aid's exploited to facilitate what this report exposes. state.gov/reports/2023-c…

Well-deserved recognition for working locally to uplift the forgotten rural poor.

'Altruism isn’t typically a term attributed to award-winning architects—a profession where signature has become a common adjective—but Marina Tabassum isn’t typical.' time.com/6964637/marina…

South Asia equally relies on the following sectors to maintain steady growth against chronic poverty:

-agribusiness/food security
-education and skills development
-healthcare
-energy, including renewables
-infrastructure
-tourism

'The Oscar-winner and the Nobel laureate have teamed up to make Bread & Roses, a new film about the abuse of women in Afghanistan.'

Last time in 90s, overwhelming advocacy from celebrities drew global attention to Taliban’s gender apartheid. It can now! theguardian.com/film/2024/apr/…

A few areas below where Central Asians need to work together:

-open but secure borders
-trade/invest with/in each other
-build ground/air connectivity
-play a larger role in SCO et al
-coordinate multilateral work
-stablize 🇦🇫 against terror and drugs
daryo.uz/en/2024/04/20/…

Indian chai, aloo-parata, and mangoes used to be my favorites throughout my term in 'Incredible India.' Delhi and diversity are synonymous -- an ancient city of beautiful sights and sounds -- always welcoming tourists, friends, and neighbors alike. Afghans call it second 🏠!

My take on what it takes to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in South Asia, the world's most climate-vulnerable region, where climate impact, poverty, protracted conflicts, terrorism and extremism, as well as social polarization have converged, affecting ordinary

US Congress may act on this Department of State report by (1) requiring aid implementers to account for every dollar given in the name of suffering Afghans; (2) tasking SIGAR to verify (1) and ensure no aid's exploited to facilitate what this report exposes. state.gov/reports/2023-c…

'Bhutan’s embrace of regional tourism could be a major boost for connectivity in the entire BBIN subregion.'

These sub-regional initiatives must be undertaken by SAARC. SAARC's been taken hostage for too long, but it can still be effective. thediplomat.com/2024/04/why-a-…

The call from South Asia's Tagore for 'life in harmony with all existence' is timeless and must underpin every public policy, ensuring sustainability of all biodiversity.

Hundreds of millions of South Asians are vulnerable to environmental degradation and climate impact, already

This #EarthDay , let's remember that the protective and human security of our nations increasingly depends on how well we look after our planet. #ClimateActionNow is one way to do so and in places like Afghanistan, it can save lives almost daily taken by the direct and indirect

'Sri Lanka’s remarkable economic recovery would not have come about without the tremendous leadership displayed by President Wickremesinghe.' Ranil Wickremesinghe M U M Ali Sabry dawn.com/news/1828932

Across South Asia there remain several sticky institutional weaknesses when it comes to climate change. Regional institutions intended to address climate change need both substantial reforms and better funding, writes Amb. M. Ashraf Haidari. #EarthDay diplomaticourier.com/posts/addressi…