The 22nd session of the Oslo Forum is set to begin on Wednesday, June 11, in Norway, according to a senior Western diplomatic source speaking to Amu. The closed-door summit, scheduled to run through June 12, brings together global mediators, senior diplomats and representatives from conflict-affected countries to discuss solutions to some of the world’s most intractable crises.
While the agenda for this year’s forum remains confidential, multiple diplomatic sources say that Afghanistan will be among the issues discussed. However, it is still unclear whether a delegation from the Taliban will attend the gathering. In recent years, representatives of the group have participated in the forum at mid-level, though their inclusion in this year’s session has not been confirmed.
The Taliban-controlled Ministry of Education has confirmed that one of its deputy ministers is traveling to Russia to attend a separate international education conference this week, while speculation continues around the group’s broader diplomatic engagements. Iranian media have also reported that Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, will attend the Oslo Forum and is expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines.
Founded in 2003, the Oslo Forum is jointly organized by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. It is designed to offer a discreet environment for key actors in global conflicts to exchange ideas and explore potential paths to peace. The forum’s discussions are held off the record, with no media access.
Human rights advocates are calling on participants at the forum to address the deepening humanitarian and political crisis in Afghanistan, particularly the exclusion of women from education and public life. “The expectations are clear,” said Mohammad Alam Hikmat, a human rights activist. “Restore women’s rights, reopen schools for girls, and support the creation of an inclusive government. Afghan women, more than ever, need international solidarity.”
Despite mounting international criticism, the Taliban continue to enforce strict restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment. According to the United Nations, more than 2.2 million Afghan girls are currently barred from attending school beyond the sixth grade.
While the Oslo Forum’s organizers have yet to release an official guest list or detailed agenda, the gathering is expected to host high-level figures involved in conflict mediation and humanitarian negotiations.
