who we are.

In 2022, the Vienna Process started when Prof. Dr. Christian Reder and Ingrid Reder, Mrs. Fahima Zahma, and Mr. Nur Safa were approached to provide a meeting place for the scattered opposition forces exiled from their native Afghanistan. The Reders have a long history of engagement in Afghanistan: For more than 40 years, they have been actively involved in promoting humanitarian causes in Afghanistan.

Recognizing the need for a seasoned expert in conflict negotiations, the team approached Dr. Wolfgang Petritsch. With his extensive experience as a peace negotiator during the wars of former Yugoslavia, Mr. Petritsch brings valuable expertise in diplomacy, peace negotiation, and conflict management. Together with Mrs. Manizha Bakhtiari, the Ambassador of the Republic of Afghanistan to Austria and to the International Organizations headquartered in Vienna, their leadership has been crucial in shaping the Vienna Process and enhancing its effectiveness.

From 1980 to 1995, Mr. Reder, Mr. Nur Safa, and Mrs. Fahima Zahma, led the Austrian Relief Committee for Afghanistan (ARC), to support Afghan refugees in Afghanistan and Pakistan in refugee camps while promoting democratic values in the region. working alongside local leaders and communities to foster a culture of freedom and equality. This collaboration has expanded to include seasoned Afghan and international experts as well as a dynamic group of younger Afghan leaders, all united in their desire for a peaceful and democratic future.

Together, the Vienna Prozess Assistance Core Team aims to facilitate dialogue and supports initiatives that empower all ethnic groups and religious communities within Afghanistan. Join us in our mission to support Afghanistan's journey toward a humane, just, and inclusive society. Together, we can make a difference.

Our Aim

The Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan is firmly rooted in the principle of being Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. This core belief drives our mission and approach to formulating a political program that shapes the future of Afghanistan. Our program is designed and driven by Afghans, ensuring that all ethnicities and religions are represented. Our goal is to integrate principles from our Roadmap that encompass the diverse voices and needs of the Afghan people. We continue to engage with the UN, the EU, individual governments, and civil society organizations as well as other like-minded international partners. Our aim is to maintain, deepen, and expand the hope for a democratic Afghanistan and work towards a future where all Afghans can live in peace, security, and freedom. We work to build a peaceful resistance to the ever more untenable situation in Afghanistan. Our overall focus lies on contributing to the establishment of the long-overdue intra-Afghan dialogue.

Our Commitment

The Vienna Process began with a small but significant conference in April 2022, initiated by Mr. Christian Reder, Mr. Wolfgang Petritsch, Mrs. Fahima Zahma, Mr. Nur Safa, and Mrs. Manizha Bakhtar. This 1st Vienna conference brought together around 30 Afghan exiles, including activists and former government officials, to discuss women’s rights and democratic perspectives. The most recent 4th Vienna meeting in June 2024 hosted some 70 opposition leaders, representing more than 40 organizations. The outcome was the creation of four working groups and committees along with a set of documents aimed at promoting a peaceful way forward for a country with a tragic record of more than 40 years of civil strife. These efforts are increasingly being recognized by governments and civil rights organizations alike. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has acknowledged our initiative, elevating its importance on the international stage. Recently, the U.S. Congress has also expressed its support for the Vienna Process, further legitimizing our crucial efforts on the global stage.

Our Goals

The Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan focuses on several key areas:

  • Inclusive Dialogue: We strive to create platforms for dialogue among all Afghan communities, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

  • Human Rights: Promoting and protecting human rights, with a special emphasis on the rights of women, girls and minorities.

  • Education and Development: Supporting educational initiatives and sustainable development projects that empower local communities.

  • International Advocacy: Working with international bodies and governments to ensure continued support for Afghanistan's democratic processes.

Funding and Support

Our initiatives have been financially supported by the Vienna-based RD Foundation, as well as by private Afghan sources. The Austrian government - true to its longstanding  commitment as a bridgebuilder for just causes - provides diplomatic, legal, and security support whenever necessary.

Our deep-rooted relationship with the Afghan people, coupled with our extensive experience in diplomacy, mediation, and crisis management, forms the bedrock of our work on the Vienna Process. As the Vienna Process evolves, so does our core group, with an increasing number of Afghan participants contributing both organizationally and financially. This growth ensures that our efforts remain true to the principle of Afghan leadership.

Our central message is one of openness and adaptability, with a steadfast focus on Afghan leadership. The Vienna Core Group is outreach-oriented, striving to build a network that unites Afghans around the principles of democracy and inclusivity. Our ultimate goal is to create a network that embodies these values, fostering a future where all Afghans can live in peace and freedom.

The Vienna Process Assistance Core Team

The Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan is fundamentally “owned” by its citizens. While supported by international experts and advisors, the core of its work is carried out by Afghans who are deeply committed to shaping a democratic future for their country. This ensures that the initiatives and strategies are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the Afghan people, empowering them to take charge of their own political destiny.

Our core team includes individuals with a profound understanding of project development and strategic direction, ensuring that our initiatives are effectively guided toward a peaceful change in Afghanistan. Expertise in peace negotiations, international relations, and diplomacy significantly enhances our capability to mediate conflicts and foster cooperation among diverse Afghan stakeholders. Our team members have played pivotal roles in strengthening international ties, fostering support for Afghanistan, and ensuring that diverse Afghan voices are heard and valued. Their collective experience in diplomacy, media relations, and on-the-ground project coordination is instrumental in bridging gaps and driving forward our mission.

  • Manizha Bakhtari currently serves as the Afghan ambassador to Austria, the United Nations office, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna. She formerly held the position of ambassador to the Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland). She has been instrumental in strengthening international ties and fostering support for Afghanistan. Her efforts in representing Afghan interests abroad have been crucial in building alliances and garnering support for the Vienna Process. Her diplomatic skills, combined with her deep commitment to her country’s future, make her an essential part of our team. She drives efforts to create an inclusive dialogue and a cooperative spirit among Afghan leaders, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued in the Vienna Process.

  • Mirwais Nab is the former Deputy Foreign Minister of Afghanistan and plays a pivotal role in the Vienna Process. His extensive experience in diplomacy and international relations is crucial in bridging gaps and fostering collaboration among various Afghan stakeholders. As a key figure, he works alongside the team to ensure the successful implementation of the Vienna Process initiatives on the ground. His leadership and vision are vital in driving forward the dialogue and efforts necessary to establish a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.

  • Wolfgang Petritsch is a seasoned crisis manager in the wars of former Yugoslavia and an experienced diplomat with extensive know-how in international relations. As a former EU Special Envoy and chief negotiator in the Rambouillet/Paris peace talks on Kosovo and the UN High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, he currently serves as the President of the Austrian Institute of International Affairs. As coordinating facilitator, Mr. Petritsch brings valuable expertise in diplomacy and conflict management to the Vienna Process team, contributing to the effectiveness of our initiatives.

  • Christian Reder is a retired university professor and renowned author with a long history of involvement in Afghanistan. As the chairman of the RD Foundation Vienna for Research, Development, and Human Rights, he provides financial support and strategic direction to the organization’s initiatives. Among his many publications are two books about Afghanistan, "Afghanistan, fragmentarisch" (2003) and "Noch Jahre der Unruhe" (2015), the latter having been translated into Farsi in 2023.

  • Nur Safa plays a pivotal role as the project and Main Office coordinator of the Austrian Relief Committee for Afghanistan (ARC). With a deep understanding of the region’s dynamics and challenges, Mr. Safa oversees the implementation of projects and ensures their alignment with the organization’s goals. He also acts as a vital link between Afghanistan and Austria, coordinating efforts on the ground and facilitating effective communication and collaboration between the two countries. Mr. Safa was an Austrian diplomat for twenty-four years. He is the main coordinator of the Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan and the Transferproject-Vienna-Kabul Association.

  • Fahima Zahma is one of the co-founders of the Vienna Process, assisting in a variety of areas relevant for the successful implementation of the Vienna Process. As a young student, she fled Afghanistan after the Russian invasion to Pakistan. Mrs. Zahma Safa worked as a volunteer for the Austrian Relief Committee for Afghan refugees in Peshawar. Endowed with a scholarship, she studied in Vienna and worked at the University Clinic. Since 2020, she has been a member of the Transferproject-Vienna-Kabul.

  • David Loyn is a former BBC correspondent and a long-term resident and expert on Afghanistan. Mr. Loyn has reported extensively from the region. With deep insights into the Afghan socio-political landscape, his knowledge and experience significantly support the Vienna Process in maintaining its Afghan-owned ethos. He brings a nuanced understanding of Afghan history and current affairs, helping to bridge cultural and political gaps and facilitate effective dialogue among stakeholders. His book, "The Long War: The Inside Story of America and Afghanistan Since 9/11," provides a comprehensive analysis of the conflict and its broader implications.

  • David Kirsch serves as the media relations advisor and executive assistant to Mr. Petritsch and the Vienna Process. Mr. Kirsch services our website www.viennaprocess.org. With expertise in international affairs and security, focusing on crisis regions including the SWANA region, his proficiency in public relations and communications helps amplify the organization’s message and coordinates media engagements to raise awareness about our work.