Ahmad Rashid Watanpahl
ACTS PhD Fellow (2017-2020)
Ahmad Rashid Watanpahl works as a programme analyst in UNDP Afghanistan’s Rule of Law and Human Security Programme Unit responsible for the management of the peace and reintegration portfolio. Previously, he has worked with NCA as head of peacebuilding and conflict mitigation portfolio, senior partnership coordinator with Oxfam GB, planning and advocacy manager and programme director with Sanayee Development Organization. He has served as a Steering Committee member of Afghanistan’s biggest civil society network (ACBAR) for two consecutive years. As a civil society activist, he has remained steering committee member of the Afghan People’s Dialogue on Peace Process. He is also an active member of Action Asia Peace Network. Overall, he has eight years of experience working in the field of peacebuilding and conflict transformation.
He has completed his Bachler’s in National Economics from Kabul University and earned a master degree in Applied Conflict Transformation Studies from Pannasastra University of Cambodia. He is currently enrolled in a Doctoral programme run jointly by the Pannasastra University of Cambodia and Center for Peace and Conflict Studies. He is focusing his doctoral research on drivers and narratives of violent extremism in Afghanistan.
Rashid’s topic for dissertation is “Understanding Drivers and Narratives of Violent Extremism in Afghanistan”.