German Institute for Global and Area Studies | Leibniz-Institut für Globale und Regionale Studien

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From Afghanistan to the GIGA: The Academic Journey of Visiting Fellow Dr. Nazir Yosufi

The war and the Taliban regime are adversely affecting the lives of many Afghans. Dr. Nazir Ahmad Yosufi, Visiting Fellow at the GIGA, is one of them.

Growing up in one of Afghanistan’s most remote areas in the midst of the Soviet invasion of the 1980s, Nazir Yosufi’s academic training was interrupted by civil war and the Taliban regime. He was forced to leave his country to escape further violence. Against all odds, he managed to continue his education in Pakistan, Iran, and India. Along the way, Nazir played an active role in supporting the education and medical care of others. Following the collapse of the government in Afghanistan, Nazir was invited by GIGA President Prof. Dr. Amrita Narlikar to join our institute as a Visiting Fellow. Since January 2023, Nazir has been working to re-evaluate European development aid in Afghanistan. His research stay is being financed by the Gerda Henkel Stiftung. Owing to his determination and resilience, along with his passion for education, Nazir was able to overcome many obstacles. His academic path shows how important education and knowledge are for effecting positive change. He tells his story here.

Contact

Dr. Nazir Ahmad Yosufi

Visiting Fellow

nazir.yosufi@giga-hamburg.de

Personal Report

Nazir Yosufi's Academic Journey (PDF)

Information for Threatened and Refugee Researchers

The GIGA shows solidarity with researchers affected by Russia's war on Ukraine and with colleagues who are at risk in their countries of origin. Here you will find a list of links to funding opportunities, organisations and networks that offer support for threatened and refugee researchers.

GIGA Institute for Asian Studies

The GIGA Institute for Asian Studies analyses current developments in Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Australasia. Research topics include civil society-state relations, party politics, economic development, China and India in regional and global affairs, and the Indo-Pacific as a strategic space.

Globalisation and Development

The Globalisation and Development Research Programme studies the economic and political foundations of inclusive and sustainable development in a globalised world economy and strives to bridge theory and practice by engaging in fundamental empirical research, in policy analysis, and in designing new policy interventions.