This e-paper is written based on interviews conducted with young activists, journalists, human rights defenders and academics from Afghanistan (all under the age of 35), who have been actively involved in the process of democratisation and committed to liberal values over the past 20 years in Afghanistan; it highlights the twenty years of achievements by Afghan youth and explores their hurdles and challenges under the rule of the Taliban’s de facto regime.

The long-term challenges have lost none of their significance – be it climate breakdown, species extinction, the increase in inequality, or demographic change. The challenge is to craft a strategic approach that can set the course for long-term success.