Founded in 1972, UNO's Center for Afghanistan Studies has continued to be America’s primary cultural and scholarly link with Afghanistan. Through war and peace, destitution and reconstruction, the Center and its partners have been on the ground in Afghanistan – printing textbooks, training teachers and journalists, and advising U.S. government officials.
The Center’s team members have deep roots in Afghanistan. Many were born and raised there, later working and raising families amid history-making events. Others have spent nearly their entire professional lives studying the country’s culture and geography, visiting its cities and villages, and working with Afghans. All are deeply committed to preserving Afghanistan’s heritage and developing its economy and civil society.


