From Vision to Reality: Launching the CAS 2026 Final Report
Updated: 8 hours ago
By Mosaic Staff
The final report of the fifth Cambridge Afghanistan Series (CAS 2026) is now published. Bringing together the discussions held at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, on 4–5 September 2026. The conference was titled: Moving from Vision to Reality, The Roadmaps to Inclusion in Afghanistan. The discussions captured a continuing effort to translate shared democratic aspirations into practical cooperation, and its publication offers an opportunity to reflect on the conference’s contributions, recognise the work still ahead, and thank the partners, sponsors and participants whose support made this dialogue possible.
Convened by the Mosaic Global Foundation, CAS provides a space for Afghanistan’s diverse political and civic voices to examine difficult questions together. The 2026 gathering broadened that conversation, bringing political and resistance organisations into dialogue with women’s movements, human rights organisations, civil society networks and specialists. Across these perspectives, a central question emerged: how can those committed to an inclusive Afghanistan build the relationships, institutions and working arrangements needed to advance that commitment?
The report, authored by George Peach, provides a substantive record of these discussions and their recommendations. It sought to embody and uphold the spirit of openness that characterises the CAS programme, documenting both common ground and unresolved differences, giving readers a clearer understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing democratic cooperation. For cooperation to last, participants are required to examine disagreements honestly, clarify responsibilities and develop confidence in how decisions will be made. Publishing this account makes those questions available for wider scrutiny and participation.
At the heart of the conference was the Comprehensive Composite Roadmap (CCR), a living framework developed by consolidating 21 roadmaps and proposals from political and civil society groups, including several from within the country. Launched at CAS 2025, the CCR seeks to establish a minimum common agenda around popular sovereignty, universal rights and equality. CAS 2026 examined how this framework could acquire broader ownership and greater practical relevance, particularly through engagement with people whose experiences and expertise have not always been sufficiently reflected in political discussions.
The CCR’s objectives hinge on building broader societal ownership, recognising that a framework for Afghanistan’s future must be shaped through meaningful participation across its society. Women, young people, minorities, professional communities and people living inside the country need opportunities to influence its priorities and development. The report therefore points towards an expanding consultation process, supported by specialist contributions and continued engagement with human rights organisations. Such participation is essential to the credibility of any proposals emerging from this work.
Women’s leadership and human rights were central throughout the conference. Discussions repeatedly addressed the need for women to exercise influence over political choices, institutional design and implementation. In his keynote contribution, Richard Bennett emphasised that human rights must provide the foundation for any credible consideration of Afghanistan’s future. This principle places a clear responsibility on everyone involved: inclusion must be evident in the way cooperation is organised, as well as in the future it promises.
The conference also examined the proposed Political/Civil Convergence Framework, through which participating organisations could coordinate around shared principles while retaining their autonomy. Contributors offered different ideas about the form such cooperation might take, including regular consultation, working groups and an accountable secretariat. These discussions remain part of an evolving process. The report records support for closer coordination alongside important questions about representation, decision-making and safeguards against domination by any single organisation or individual.
The Cambridge Declaration, dated 5 September 2026, states principles for voluntary cooperation. Its commitments encompass dignity, equal citizenship, diversity, constitutional legitimacy, popular sovereignty, peace and shared responsibility. It does not establish a government or opposition in exile, nor settle the detailed design of future coordination. It offers participating initiatives a basis for developing cooperation while respecting their independence and acknowledging that Afghanistan’s aspirations cannot be represented by one organisation alone.
The publication also points to the next phase of work. The report sets out plans to strengthen coordination among democratic initiatives, continue dialogue on unresolved national differences, and develop further policy research with the Centre for Governance and Markets at the University of Pittsburgh. Mosaic’s network of more than 100 specialists offers a resource for examining practical questions, including governance, security, economic management, public services and justice. Continued review will help the CCR respond to changing realities and emerging criticism.
This work depends on sustained partnerships, and the report’s launch is an occasion to express our sincere gratitude. We thank the Mosaic Global Foundation, named as the report’s sponsor, for supporting the Cambridge Afghanistan Series and the continuing development of this dialogue. We also thank all sponsors and supporters whose contributions help sustain the convening, research, and engagement on which this effort depends. Their support creates space for difficult conversations and the patient work of building trust.
Our thanks extend to the Centre for Dialogue and Progress–Geneva, a co-convenor of CAS 2026, and to the Afghanistan Civil and Democratic Forces Network for contributing to broader civic engagement. We recognise MEHR Coexistence and Liberation Assembly’s work alongside Mosaic in supporting the CCR Working Group. We also value the Centre for Governance and Markets’ research partnership and the opportunities for wider discussion offered through Etilaatroz and KabulNow. These relationships connect dialogue with research, public debate and continued consultation.
We are equally grateful to the keynote speakers, panellists, moderators, delegates and specialists who contributed their time and judgement. Sir Laurie Bristow, Professor Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili, and Richard Bennett brought important diplomatic, academic, and human rights perspectives. We thank George Peach for preparing the report and everyone involved in organising and documenting the proceedings. Their collective effort has created a resource that can inform discussion well beyond the conference itself.
We invite readers to engage with the report, consider its recommendations and contribute to the questions it leaves open. Its publication marks a further step in a process that will require persistence, wider participation and accountable action. To our partners and sponsors, thank you for helping sustain that process. To everyone working towards an Afghanistan grounded in dignity, equality and democratic choice, we hope this report provides a useful foundation for the work ahead.
Source: George Peach, Moving from Vision to Reality: The Roadmaps to Inclusion in Afghanistan, CAS–V–2026 Conference Report, 4–5 September 2026, Mosaic Global Foundation.
A Word of Thanks
Mosaic thanks our team: Chris, Ed, Elias, Jenna, Joanna, Marwa, Natiq, Peter, George, and Tanya. Also, I would like to thank Ali, Behrooz, Farhunda, Farzona, Hasina, Malina, and Rade. Their tireless behind-the-scenes work, long hours, and passion are the beating heart of Mosaic — we could not be prouder of them.
Mosaic also thanks our fellow Directors and Trustees, David Cecil and David Game, and our Advisory Board members for their unwavering moral support and strategic guidance.
We wish to thank Jesus College for hosting our conference again this year, providing a welcoming and dignified space for such momentous dialogue. We particularly would like to acknowledge Soniya Sawant, the Business Development Manager at Jesus Conference and Catering. Mosaic also wishes to express special gratitude to Dr Gillian Tett, Provost of King’s College, who has long supported Mosaic’s work and hosted our Cultural Evening at King’s College. Her generosity, warmth, and commitment to safeguarding Afghanistan’s culture and heritage are exemplary.
We would also like to thank the Risha (Roots) music ensemble for their magnificent performance, Rebecca Mitchell for her exceptional dance display, and everyone who recited poetry during our Cultural Evening. You reminded us of the region's beauty, resilience, and soul, and of our shared civilisation.
Our Valued Partners & Supporters
• CPD-G & ACDFN: The Cambridge Afghanistan Series continues its strong collaboration with the Centre for Progress and Development – Geneva (CPD-G), under the leadership of Ambassador Dr Nasir Ahmad Andisha. CPD-G leads the Afghanistan Civil and Democratic Forces Network (ACDFN)—also known as the Antalya Process—with secretariat leadership from Mr Masood Amer.
Mosaic is proud to partner with this network. Zalmai has worked closely with Ambassador Andisha and Mr Amer on foundational ideas for the Network, and we are delighted that CPD-G and Mosaic jointly organised and delivered the civil society component of this conference.
• The Osimi Foundation: We are deeply grateful to the Osimi Foundation in the United States for their continued financial and moral support. Their friendship strengthens our shared commitment. We want to thank Gavhar Osimi in particular.
• Glasgow Afghan United: Our sincere thanks go to Glasgow Afghan United and its founder, Mr Abdul Bostani, for their steadfast partnership over the years.
• The Ipswich Community: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community leaders in Ipswich who have stood by Mosaic from the beginning—particularly Dr Ehsan Ahmadi, Mr Jamil Kambakhsh, and Mr Assad Arif.
• Thanks to Friends of Mosaic: I want to recognise the vital contributions of our friends and entrepreneurs—Mr Halim Hossaini, Mr Sarwar Nabizoda, Mr Ali Hossaini, Mr Muhammed Sakhizada and Mr Fayaz Mayazyar. Their generous assistance has sustained Mosaic since our founding in 2022 and makes this conference possible every year.
And I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone whose names I could not mention one by one, but who have provided immense financial and moral support to Mosaic. Thank you for making the conference a success.
Thank you, friends, for all your support,
Mosaic Global Foundation
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